1. Back
2. Current News
   
3. News Archive

• Kaimuki Hawaii
  News Item

• Powered by MBC NewsMaker

• Hawaiian Electric Companies Geared Up For Hurricane Season, Urge Customers To Prepare

• Tweet

Hawaiian Electric Companies Geared Up For Hurricane Season, Urge Customers To Prepare

The Hawaiian Electric Companies have been working to build more resilient island grids ahead of the 2019 Central Pacific hurricane season, which begins June 1. Forecasts say up to eight tropical cyclones could develop this season, underscoring the need for customers to have emergency plans in place.

Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light work year-round to strengthen the electric grids so that they are better able to withstand powerful storms. Much of that work centers around upgrading and reinforcing poles, lines and equipment and clearing vegetation.

Here are some examples of the companies' ongoing resilience work: Nearly $17 million was spent in 2018 to clear trees and vegetation from around power lines and equipment, resulting in fewer and briefer outages during storms.

• Hawaiian Electric:
• Replaced wooden poles with eight steel poles at Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail above Waialae Iki. The new poles support high-voltage lines feeding Windward and East Oahu.
• Upgraded infrastructure to improve system reliability in West and Central Oahu.
• In efforts to build community resilience, Hawaiian Electric is working with public agencies, volunteers and nonprofits to develop recovery strategies for some of the island's most vulnerable areas.
• Maui Electric:
• Continued upgrades of utility poles rated to withstand higher wind gusts.
• Planned pilot installation of insulated power lines to reduce outages caused by falling trees and branches on conductors in forested areas of Upcountry Maui and East Molokai.
• Planned installation of Trip-Savers, a new device on power lines that helps isolate and protect the electrical system during outages, in parts of Upcountry Maui.
• Hawaii Island:
• Continued collaboration with public agencies and community partners to promote emergency preparedness and hasten power restoration efforts following natural disasters.
• Installed Trip-Savers and similar devices on power lines that help isolate and protect the electrical system during outages.
• Planned installation of tie-lines between circuits that provide quicker restoration options in the event of an interruption.

Customers can refer to the companies' Handbook for Emergency Preparedness to get ready for hurricane season. The handbook and a keiki-friendly booklet featuring Maka the Super Safety Hero are available at https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/prepare.

Printed copies of the Handbook for Emergency Preparedness are available for pickup at public libraries on Oahu and at City Mill stores. You may also call Hawaiian Electric at 543-7511 for copies of the publications.

In addition, Hawaiian Electric employees will be distributing our handbooks and emergency tips cards at the following fairs:

Date	Event	Location
June 1, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Waianae Coast Emergency Preparedness Fair	Waianae Mall 86-120 Farrington Hwy.
July 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.	Ready2React Emergency Preparedness Fair	Pearlridge Center 98-1005 Moanalua Road
Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Get Ready Ewa Beach Emergency Preparedness Fair	Kapilina Community Center 5100 Iroquois Ave.
Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Be Ready Manoa Disaster Preparedness Fair	Manoa Valley District Park 2721 Kaaipu Ave.

Residents should develop their own emergency plans and consider these tips:

• Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries. Be prepared to monitor storm-related communications issued over emergency broadcast radio stations.
• Store enough water, non-perishable food, medicine, and personal hygiene supplies for your family members and pets to last at least 14 days.
• Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or a power outage. When power comes back and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.
• Shut off your electricity at the main breaker or switch if you need to evacuate.
• Consider having a backup generator if you are dependent on an electrically-powered life support system. Or, make plans to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. Be prepared to take your medical equipment and medications with you.
• If your business or residence is equipped with a backup generator, learn how to properly operate the device to avoid causing damage or injury.
• Prepare a list of emergency contacts that includes phone numbers for insurance agents, vendors, physicians or any other important individuals.
• If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines -- at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths).
• For updates and alerts, follow Hawaiian Electric on Twitter or via our free mobile app (available on Apple App and Google Play stores).

---

About Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)
For more than 100 years, Hawaiian Electric Company has provided the energy that has fueled the islands' development from a Hawaiian kingdom to a modern state. Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (HECO), and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Company, Ltd. (MECO), and Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (HELCO), serves 95% of the state's 1.2 million residents on the islands of O`ahu, Maui, Hawai`i Island, Lana`i and Moloka`i.

The energy we use is an essential but limited resource necessary to maintaining our quality of life. In a changing world, Hawaiian Electric has evolved to offer more than electricity.

Today, the company also provides energy solutions to help customers save money and use energy more efficiently. Hawaiian Electric also continues to pursue the use of more clean, renewable energy alternatives to help ensure a sustainable future for our islands.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Hawaiian Electric Company is dedicated to our community in which we live, work and serve. Rooted in Hawaii and one of the largest companies in the State, Hawaiian Electric takes the concept of malama pono -- to care for and serve -- to heart. The company and our employees have a long tradition of contributing with dollars, time and talent. Corporate citizenship is crucial to Hawaiian Electric's overall business plan because strong communities are essential to the success of the company, our employees and our customers.

Company and employee volunteerism is encouraged and every month, employees walk, run or provide manpower to dozens of non-profits throughout the State. Hawaiian Electric's corporate giving philosophy gives priority to projects that help families, promote education and protect the environment.

The company also sponsors robotics programs and events that promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education, as well as the SunPower for Schools program bringing solar electric power to select schools, the Solar Sprint event where students design, build and race cars using solar power, and the Home Energy Challenge, a school-based competition encouraging elementary school students and their families to reduce energy use at home, among other programs.

For nearly a decade, Hawaiian Electric volunteers have provided manpower, bucket trucks and ladders to install Christmas lights at the Kaimuki Community Park and playground before the annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade in December.

1. Back
2. Current News
   
3. News Archive

Like Our Facebook

• RELATED LINKS

• 
  MAKA - The Super Energy Saver Guide - Hawaiian Electric Company
  Energy guide for children offers fun activities to stop energy waste in the home. More...
• Kaimuki Community Park - 3521 Waialae Avenue
  Click on link to view interactive map, photo, activities, amenities and more. 3521 Waialae Avenue - View Park Photo Gallery
• 
  HECO - Hawaii Energy Conservation, Saving and Efficiency Tips - Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.
  REDUCE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL! - Looking for ways to reduce the amount of energy you use and save money? Practical tips to conserve energy, manage your bills and protect the planet!
• Hawaiian Electric
  Hawaiian Electric is committed to empowering its customers and communities by providing affordable, reliable, clean and sustainable energy. Hawaiian Electric cares about our communities where we live, work and play.
• 
  Hawaii Energy-Electric Rebate, Tips, Solutions, Tax Credits and Incentive Request
  Homeowner or renter? Business owner or landlord. Get information to all Hawaii Energy rebates. View Tips...
• 
  Holiday Recipe from Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)
  A holiday recipe from Hawaiian Electric Company. A message for KaimukiHawaii.com readers, from Hawaiian Electric Company Celebrate this holiday season with timeless traditions and cherish the festive, sweet memories throughout the New Year!

• Kaimuki Hawaii.Com Home Page
  View our featured events, news, businesses and primary links on our home page.
• Featured Sponsors Offers
  Great offers from our sponsors who support the Kaimuki Honolulu, Hawaii community. More...
• Kaimuki Hawaii Directory
  View Kaimuki, Hawaii primary directories. businesses, non profits, public, government and jobs.
• Calendar
  Check out things to do in Kaimuki on the calendar of events.
• News
  Keep up with the latest news and happenings in your Kaimuki community.
• Kaimuki Hawaii Featured Pages
  View our directory of feature pages showcasing all the great things Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii has to offer. Go Green in Kaimuki, restaurants, shopping, WiFi Hot Spots, fitness, health, real estate, home and garden, 80+ more directories... More...