Maui News

Hawaiian Electric expects to restore most Oʻahu customers by tonight

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Since this morning, Hawaiian Electric crews have restored power to approximately 13,100 Oʻahu customers following Hurricane Lowell’s damaging tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall. As of 3 p.m., approximately 7,900 customers remain without power.

The majority of the outages are concentrated on the Leeward and Windward coasts, where the most extreme weather conditions were experienced overnight. While estimated restoration times are not available for impacted areas, Hawaiian Electric expects to restore most O‘ahu customers later tonight.

Hurricane Lowell brought significant weather impacts, with wind gusts reaching 81 mph in Mākaha and more than 9 inches of rainfall recorded in some areas. Although Oʻahu remained on the edge of Lowell’s path, the island experienced tropical storm-force winds that damaged roadways and utility infrastructure and contributed to widespread outages. High surf with waves up to 25 feet also affected Oʻahu’s Leeward Coast, inundating coastal areas, forcing the closure of Farrington Highway in Waiʻanae and causing flooding in parts of Mākaha.

Crews are on-site in West Oʻahu and starting repairs, but the closure of Farrington Highway delayed their ability to get there earlier today. Customers in Nānākuli, Waiʻanae and Mākaha should prepare for possible overnight outages.

Throughout the day, Hawaiian Electric crews conducted ground, drone and helicopter inspections across Oʻahu to identify storm damage and prioritize restoration efforts. Aerial inspections help crews assess the electric system and evaluate areas that may be difficult to access because of flooding, downed trees, road closures and storm debris or unsafe conditions.

Hawaiian Electric appreciates customers’ patience and understanding as crews work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

Report an outage

Customers who are without power but see their neighbors have electricity restored should call their respective Trouble Line to report the outage:

We are committed to keeping you informed

Hawaiian Electric communicates restoration information to customers frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources: 

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