Hawaiian Electric places West Maui and Hawaiʻi Island under Public Safety Power Shutoff watch

Hawaiian Electric announced a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch for parts of West Maui, Ōmaʻopio, Pūlehu in Kahului, and areas of Hawaiʻi Island. The utility is monitoring high winds, dry conditions and gusty downslope winds forecast by the National Weather Service, which could create near‑critical fire‑weather concerns. Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Jim Alberts said a watch means the company is closely monitoring the situation and may proactively shut off power in communities with high wildfire exposure.

Customers in the affected zones are urged to develop emergency plans, secure backup lighting, generators and medical equipment, and be prepared for possible extended outages. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply also warned that a PSPS could disrupt water service, asking residents to reduce water use by at least 10% and be ready for further restrictions if power is lost.