Hawaiian Electric monitoring wildfire risk conditions

Strong winds, low humidity could lead to Public Safety Power Shutoff

News Release from HECO, 10/23/2025

HONOLULU, Oct. 23, 2025 – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the leeward areas and some central areas of all Hawaiian islands, as well as northern portions of Hawaii Island, from noon today through 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, due to a forecast of low humidity and strong wind gusts. As a result, Hawaiian Electric is monitoring weather conditions that may lead to an increased risk of wildfires. If needed to protect public safety, Hawaiian Electric may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk.

Outages that are not related to the company’s PSPS program could still occur due to high winds and other conditions.

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, our PSPS emergency response plan includes:

Closely monitoring weather
Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials
Pre-positioning Hawaiian Electric crews and their equipment to speed restoration
Urging customers to prepare for possible power outages with safety as their main focus

How you can prepare

Safety is always Hawaiian Electric’s top priority. We urge customers to make it their top priority, too:

Check emergency equipment such as flashlights and lanterns (make sure they are operational and buy extra batteries), emergency generators, battery-operated radios and light sticks.
Have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on weather conditions and possible PSPS implementation.
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.
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.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
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.
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.
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:

Oahu: 1-855-304-1212
Hawaii Island: 1-855-304-9191
Maui County: 1-855-304-8181

How to stay informed

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources:

Hawaiian Electric website: hawaiianelectric.com
Twitter/X: @HwnElectric; @mauielectric; @hielectriclight
Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric
Mobile app: free download available on Apple App and Google Play stores

You also have the option to sign up to receive emergency outage alerts from Hawaiian Electric at hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.

  *   *   *   *   *

KIUC URGES MEMBERS TO PREPARE DURING FIRE WEATHER WATCH

News Release from KIUC, Oct 23, 2025

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for leeward areas of Kauai beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24 and extending through 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur.  

KIUC asks all members to heed these fire prevention tips provided by the Kauai Fire Department:

Refrain from ALL outdoor burning, including cooking;
Avoid the use of mechanized equipment outdoors, including the use of yardwork equipment;
Do not drive your vehicle in dry, tall grass. The underside of your vehicle is hot and can easily ignite grasses from your exhaust muffler;
Ensure trailer chains do not drag on the ground;
Be aware of wind direction and gusts that could spread fire rapidly;
Have an escape route to a clear area safe from rapid-fire spread; and
Report any possible fires – including signs of smoke or flames – by calling Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at 808-241-1711.

KIUC will be closely monitoring weather conditions throughout the Fire Weather Watch period for impacts to its electric infrastructure. Actions will be taken as necessary to protect life and property. You are encouraged to follow KIUC’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on outages, and any actions you should take based on current conditions.

Members in areas covered under the watch should be prepared for potential pre-emptive and/or extended power outages. Outages can occur without warning. Planning for backup power is essential for individuals with special medical needs who are dependent on electricity. Restoration efforts may not be conducted in affected areas until the Fire Weather Watch is lifted. Mahalo for your diligence and cooperation.

KIUC will provide updates on this situation on its Facebook page. If you don't have a Facebook account, the Facebook feed can be viewed on the homepage of KIUC's website.

Sign Up for Automated Outage Notifications

Members who have enrolled in SmartHub can receive automated notifications via email or text in the event of a power outage. After logging into your account, go to "Settings," then "Manage Notification," then "Service."

If you don't have a SmartHub account, It's easy and free! Sign up here.