Hawaiian Electric starts critical grid hardening along East Kamehameha V Highway from Oct. 3 to 8

As part of ongoing efforts to harden the electrical grid and reduce wildfire risk on Molokaʻi, Hawaiian Electric crews will begin its first targeted area of replacing existing copper power lines with new aluminum conductors along East Kamehameha V Highway between Onioni Drive and ʻUalapuʻe from Saturday, Oct. 3 through Thursday, Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The project includes replacing 8 miles of power lines and upgrading 27 poles. For the safety of the crew and the public, planned outages in the area are required for the work to be completed.

The effort is part of Hawaiian Electric’s ongoing work to strengthen and improve the reliability of Molokaʻi’s electric system, including itswildfire safety strategy plans that focus on hardening overhead distribution circuits along key travel routes for accessibility in high-wildfire risk areas across Moloka‘i, Maui, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island.

By prioritizing circuits based on wildfire risk factors – including wind exposure, vegetation density, proximity to critical infrastructure, and the importance of ingress and egress routes – Hawaiian Electric is implementing critical grid hardening where it will have the greatest impact on reducing risk.

The critical grid hardening is happening in parallel with longer-term wildfire prevention strategies such as strategic undergrounding and broader grid modernization efforts, enabling Hawaiian Electric to deliver measurable safety improvements while building a more resilient energy system.

Customers between Onioni Drive and Puʻu O Hōkū Ranch will be affected by planned power outages needed for the crews to safely complete these upgrades. Affected customers have been notified directly by mail. 

For the safety of the public and work crews, one lane of East Kamehameha V Highway will be closed in active work zones during work hours. The bike lane, shoulder, and sidewalk in the immediate work area also will be closed while crews are working.

Flaggers will be onsite to direct motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists safely through the area. Traffic control signs will be posted throughout the project corridor. Motorists should plan for delays, allow extra travel time, drive with caution when approaching and passing the work zone, and follow directions from traffic control personnel.