Hawaiian Electric starts critical pole hardening work in Lahaina along Honoapiilani Highway
Pole upgrades focus on key travel routes
Release Date: 5/8/2026
KAHULUI, May 8, 2026 – As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risks, Hawaiian Electric will begin its first targeted area of critical pole hardening in Lahaina along Honoapiilani Highway this month. The effort is part of the company’s wildfire safety strategy plans that focuses on hardening overhead distribution circuits along key travel routes for accessibility in high-wildfire risk areas across Maui County, Oahu and Hawaii Island.
The work is scheduled to start on Monday, May 18 until the end of June along Honoapiilani Highway between Kai Hele Ku Street and Aholo Road. The work involves replacement of 19 wooden poles to composite fiberglass poles. The company’s critical pole hardening program prioritizes replacing wooden poles in critical access corridors with stronger, more resilient materials while upgrading structural components to withstand hurricane-force winds and challenging terrain.
This work is being done in coordination with State and County agencies to align infrastructure improvements with broader emergency management and public safety measures. By prioritizing circuits based on wildfire risk factors – including wind exposure, vegetation density, proximity to critical infrastructure, and the importance of ingress and egress routes – Hawaiian Electric is implementing critical pole hardening where it will have the greatest impact on reducing risk.
The critical pole hardening is happening in parallel with longer-term wildfire prevention strategies such as strategic undergrounding and broader grid modernization efforts, enabling Hawaiian Electric to deliver measurable safety improvements while building a more resilient energy system.
During the pole upgrade work, safety signs, arrow boards, and traffic cones will mark the work area and guide motorists through the altered lanes. Flagmen will provide onsite traffic control. Motorists should drive with caution when approaching and passing the work zone as well as plan for anticipated traffic delays in this immediate area.
