HAWAII ISLAND: An estimated 1,600 customers remain without power as of 9:00 a.m., due to this weekend’s high winds which damaged power lines around the island.

The Hawaii Electric Light Company reports crews made significant progress, restoring service to approximately 1,300 customers in portions of Hawaiian Paradise Park, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Beaches, Nanawale, Tangerine Acres, Fern Forest, Fern Acres, Eden Roc, Wood Valley, South Point, and Ahualoa.

Although all major highways and roadways are cleared and open, Hawaii County Civil Defense says some subdivision roads may still have downed trees and power lines. “HELCO and other utility crews are working to restore power telephone and other communication services,” the emergency response agency stated in a message this morning. “Due to extensive damage to the utility system in the Puna area some area residents are advised to prepare for the possibility of extended outages through this week.”

Civil Defense administrator Darryl Oliviera gave some details during a media conference call on Monday.

Utility crews from Hilo, Kona and Waimea will be working in the Puna area today, and HELCO expects to make progress in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Beaches, Nanawale, Leilani Estates, Lanipuna, and Hawaiian Acres. “Due to extensive damage caused by fallen trees,” HELCO says, “electric service for customers in Nanawale, Leilani Estates, and Lanipuna is expected to be restored by Wednesday.”

Hawai‘i Electric Light reminds the community 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. To report a downed power line or outage, please call 969-6666.”

Ira, an artist and resident of Nanawale Estates, cuts his way out of a fallen albizia tree. The tree crushed his studio area outside his home.