NEWS BRIEFS

• An estimated 5,000 HELCO customers were without power as of 5:30 p.m. Powerful winds toppled trees and caused extensive damage to power lines and utility poles. HELCO reported portions of Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Kapoho, Nanawale, Leilani Estates, Fern Forest, Fern Acres, Hawaiian Acres, Eden Roc, Aloha Estates, Volcano Village, Hawi, Wood Valley, Hilo, and Waimea were in the dark.
• Power to Kapoho – Pahoa Road, Vacationland, Beachlots areas was restored, according to a 7:40 p.m. update from HELCO.
• Outages could last into next week for customers in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Kapoho, Nanawale, and Leilani Estates, HELCO says. In some areas, the power could be out much longer. The power companys says ongoing windy conditions make it unsafe for tree trimmers to clear roadways and for crews to conduct assessments and make repairs.
• High winds severed Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber cable in Kona, leaving landline telephone and Internet out of service in West Hawaii in an area extending from Waikoloa to Pahala. The outage is affecting approximately 20,000 phone and 5,500 Internet customers. Wireless carriers may also be impacted. Police say those who need police assistance who are having trouble making phone contact go to the nearest police station.
• Pohoiki Road in Puna was completely blocked due to down trees as of early this evening, police reported. Kahakai Blvd was also blocked. Railroad Avenue was re-opened as an alternative route.

8 p.m. | Civil Defense Message

Phone service and power outage update:

INSIGHTS

Some advice from the utility company:

As windy conditions and restoration efforts continue, the community is reminded to be safe and treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Do not handle or move any fallen or damaged utility equipment. If someone is injured by a downed power line, do not approach them. Call 9-1-1 for assistance. For more safety information, please see our “Handbook for Emergency Preparedness” which is available on our website www.hawaiielectriclight.com, at our business offices, or by phone at 969-0137.

Hawai‘i Electric Light asks customers who have not yet reported their power outage to call its trouble line at 969-6666. Due to the high call volume, customers may experience a longer wait time before speaking with a representative. The company sincerely apologizes for this inconvenience and thanks customers for their patience and understanding.HELCO media release