(BIVN) – Parts of Leilani Estates ready to be energized.

The eruption in the lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea Volcano left portions of Leilani Estates without power (and under mandatory evacuation) for months. However, the volcanic activity has paused, and the Puna subdivision has been slowly returning to a greater degree of normalcy.

According to HELCO:

Over the last two weeks, Hawaii Electric Light crews have been working in Leilani Estates to remove damaged electrical equipment and poles, and repair and replace equipment damaged by the eruption and seismic activity. Hawaii County Department of Public Works, and the Hawaii County Civil Defense partnered with Hawaii Electric Light in the assessment of damage, turning off main breakers, and clearing the way for crews. Customers have provided access for safety assessments, enabling reconnection without delay. Crews will re-energize parts of Leilani Estates starting Friday, Sept. 14.

“The eruption and seismic activity damaged poles, wires, and other electrical equipment in Leilani Estates. For the safety of residents, first responders, and others in the subdivision, power was de-energized as the eruption progressed, including in the areas identified as mandatory evacuation zones,” said company spokesperson Rhea Lee-Moku. “Now that the mandatory evacuation has been lifted, crews have been able to enter the area to remove damaged equipment and make repairs.”

Hawaii Electric Light asks customers who want electrical service restored to contact their Customer Service office at 969-6999. Beginning Friday, Sept. 14, customers who have re-established their service accounts will be reconnected. To receive power from Hawaii Electric Light, customer equipment must be in good condition and able to operate safely. In addition, customer equipment must be accessible to Hawaii Electric Light crews before reconnection.

Hawaii Electric Light cares about the safety of the community. Now that power is being restored in parts of Leilani Estates, the community is urged to treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and call Hawaii Electric Light’s trouble line at 969-6666 to report downed or low-hanging power lines. The company also is working with other utility providers to remove damaged non-electrical equipment from the subdivision.

Meanwhile, the joint federal/state/county disaster recovery center assisting residents with the Kilauea eruption recovery will be changing its hours next week.

The Disaster Recovery Center at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street in Pahoa will adopt new hours beginning Monday, Sept. 17, FEMA says.

Current hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays.

New hours effective Monday, Sept. 17 are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

According to FEMA,survivors may also check the status of their case, update their information or upload any documents at DisasterAssistance.gov. Survivors can also contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. For questions regarding SBA’s low-interest disaster loans and applications, call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.