Hawaiian Electric issues public safety power shutoff watch for Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island through Sunday

November 6, 2026, 2:53 PM HST

Listen to this Article
2 minutesLoading Audio... Article will play after ad...

HECO logo / Website screen grab

Hawaiian Electric issued a public safety power shutoff watch today, keeping it in effect through Sunday for Maui County and Hawaiʻi Island as the company monitors high winds and dry conditions.

A watch means the utility may proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk if weather conditions intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, according to Hawaiian Electric. The company urged customers in those areas to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended outages.

“A watch doesn’t mean we will shut off power, only that we are monitoring it closely in areas at the highest risk for wildfires,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer. The company hopes a shutoff won’t be necessary but is taking the threat seriously, he added.

Hawaiian Electric said outages unrelated to its shutoff program could still occur because of high winds and other conditions. If those outages occur at night, power will remain off until crews can inspect lines and equipment in the affected area and make any needed repairs.

What Hawaiian Electric is doing

The company’s response plan includes:

Monitoring the weather closely.
Pre-positioning crews and equipment to speed restoration.
Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials when needed.
Urging customers to prepare for possible outages, with safety as the main focus.

How customers can prepare

Hawaiian Electric recommended that customers:

Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, lanterns, generators, battery-operated radios and light sticks. Make sure the equipment works and buy extra batteries.
Keep a battery-powered radio on hand for updates on weather conditions and possible shutoffs.
Check backup arrangements if anyone in the home relies on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment. Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to a hospital or emergency shelter, bring your medical equipment and medications.
Place portable generators outside the home in a well-ventilated area and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Set refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings to keep food fresher longer if power goes out.
Turn off and unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics, to prevent damage from surges when power is restored.
Avoid going out in the dark, when downed power lines may be difficult to see. Avoid standing water and debris.

Hawaiian Electric said anyone who sees a downed power line should assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away from all power lines, warn others to stay away and call 911 for emergency assistance. Maui County customers can report problems to the company’s Trouble Line at 1-855-304-8181.