Hawaiian Electric monitors wildfire risk and potential power shutoffs

Hawaiian Electric has issued warnings regarding increased wildfire risks on the leeward side of Hawaiʻi island, specifically in the Kawaihae area. Due to moderate to breezy trade winds and dry air, the utility may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to prevent electrical equipment from igniting fires.

Decisions to cut power are based on three specific criteria: ongoing drought, wind gusts reaching 45 miles per hour or more, and humidity levels falling below 45%. While a recent watch covered areas including South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island and parts of Maui—such as West Maui, Ōma'opio, Pūlehu, and Mā'alaea—the utility noted that the shutoff program was not ultimately activated as weather conditions improved with increased humidity and rainfall.

Residents in high-risk areas have been advised to prepare for potential outages with 24 to 48 hours' notice. Hawaiian Electric has positioned over 500 employees and contractors across three counties to assist with damage assessment and power restoration should a shutoff become necessary.