Power Restored to 600 Electric Customers in Iao and Old Wailuku Heights

MECO workers file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 6:55 p.m. 3/6/11)

Power has been restored to an estimated 600 electric customers in the Iao and Old Wailuku Heights subdivisions on Maui.  The restoration work was completed by non-union members.  Union Members at MECO went on strike on Friday afternoon and continue to walk the picket lines as the result of unresolved contract negotiations.

(Update 5:54 p.m. 3/6/11)

An estimated 600 customers are without power in Central Maui. The outage was first reported at around 5:45 p.m. in the Old Wailuku Heights and Iao subdivisions.

Crews from Maui Electric Company (MECO) were able to trim a downed tree in the area and have begun repairs. Crews from the County of Maui were assisting with clearing the downed tree from Alu Street at last report.

At around 6 p.m. MECO Spokesperson, Kau’i Awai-Dickson said repairs were expected to take one-and-a-half to two hours to complete.

The outage comes as union workers from MECO and parent company Hawaiian Electric Company remain on strike. The strike began on Friday afternoon, stemming from contract disputes. Negotiations between the company and union officials got underway today with the help of a federal mediator.

*** At around 6 p.m., Maui Police closed Iao Valley Road at S. Alu Street.  Power lines remained down on S. Alu between Iao Valley Rd. and Alaneo Rd.  MECO crews are on scene.