10 a.m. Update: Power remains on in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk
Public Safety Power Shutoff still possible through afternoon
News Release from Hawaiian Electric, 11/16/2024
HONOLULU, Nov. 16, 2024 (10 a.m.) – With the National Weather Service's red flag warning in effect for leeward communities through 4 p.m. today, Hawaiian Electric remains ready to proactively shut off power, if necessary, as part of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Power remains on in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk, however PSPS determinations can change at any time based on weather conditions.
Please be advised that outages not related to the company's PSPS program could occur due to other conditions.
What we're doing
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Deploying observers to monitor conditions and look out for any fire risks
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Pre-positioning Hawaiian Electric crews and their equipment to speed restoration
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Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials
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Urging customers to prepare for possible power outages with safety as their top priority
PSPS Process
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If power is shut off, it will remain off so long as hazardous weather conditions persist.
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When the weather improves, power lines must be inspected and any damage must be repaired before service can be restored. This may involve ground crews and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones.
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This process may result in extended outages lasting several hours, possibly even days depending on the location and extent of any damage.
How to stay informed
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EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION ISSUED IN ANTICIPATION OF RED FLAG WARNING, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024
News Release from Office of the Governor, November 14, 2024
HONOLULU — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, signed an Emergency Proclamation today at 6:18 p.m. in response to a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
The Red Flag Warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, for wind and low relative humidity in leeward areas of all Hawaiian Islands.
In an effort to address existing and potential impacts caused by inclement weather conditions, the emergency proclamation enables rapid deployment of resources to mitigate risks. It also advises the public to avoid actions that could create unnecessary dangers.
A Red Flag Warning means conditions are favorable for wildfires to start and spread quickly. The public is urged to avoid activities that could spark a fire, including open flames, campfires and outdoor grilling. The use of power tools that could produce sparks, as well as idling or parking vehicles on dry grass, should also be avoided. Residents should check with county authorities for any bans or restrictions related to these activities.
Additional resources are available at hwmo.org/ready-set-go, county fire department websites, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife website.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and informed by monitoring local news media and county emergency management agencies for updates and warnings about high-risk areas in their communities.
The proclamation also suspends laws that might delay the execution of emergency functions.
An executed copy of the EP can be found here.
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Hawaiian Electric continues monitoring wildfire risk conditions
Public Safety Power Shutoff could be needed Friday
News Release from HEI, 11/14/2024
HONOLULU, Nov. 14, 2024 – Hawaiian Electric is continuing to monitor weather conditions across the leeward areas of the islands in light of the National Weather Service fire weather watch for Friday, Nov. 15. If necessary, Hawaiian Electric may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program within the next 24 hours and proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk. Customers in these areas are urged to review their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.
Outages that may be caused by current weather conditions are not related to the company's PSPS program.
For more information and maps of areas that have high wildfire risk, call Hawaiian Electric's PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.
How to stay informed
Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources:
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Hawaiian Electric monitoring wildfire risk conditions
Strong winds expected Friday could lead to Public Safety Power Shutoff
News Release from HEI, 11/13/2024
HONOLULU, Nov. 13, 2024 – The National Weather Service (NWS) today issued a fire weather watch for the leeward areas across all islands of the state of Hawaii for Friday, Nov. 15, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. because of forecast low humidity and strong wind gusts. As a result, Hawaiian Electric is monitoring weather conditions across the state, which may lead to an increased risk of wildfires. If needed to protect public safety, Hawaiian Electric may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk.
Based on current forecasts from NWS, a PSPS likely would not be necessary until Friday, Nov. 15 and Hawaiian Electric will provide updates on its assessment of the situation before then.
For more information and maps, call Hawaiian Electric's PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.
What we're doing
At Hawaiian Electric, we have activated our PSPS emergency response plan, which includes:
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Closely monitoring weather
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Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials
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Urging customers to prepare for possible power outages and to make safety their top priority
How you can prepare
Safety is always Hawaiian Electric's top priority. We urge customers to make it their top priority, too:
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Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries.
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Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on the weather conditions and possible PSPS activation.
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If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you to the facility.
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If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer's manual.
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Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
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Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. If an outage occurs, this will prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored.
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Don't venture out in the dark, because you might not see a downed power line that could be energized and dangerous; avoid standing water and debris.
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If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away. For emergency assistance call 911. For Hawaiian Electric, call our Trouble Line:
How to stay informed
Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources:
You also have the option to sign up to receive emergency outage alerts from Hawaiian Electric.
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