Our Response to the Windstorm
We have activated our Incident Management Team to respond to damage caused by the recent windstorm.
- Questions and Answers
- THURSDAY UPDATE 1 P.M.: Power restored to more than 80% of Maui customers
- A message from Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura
- WEDNESDAY UPDATE 1 P.M.: Crews focus on infrastructure repair to support restoration in West Maui
- TUESDAY UPDATE 12 P.M.: Crews work to restore more customers in parts of West Maui, Upcountry
- MONDAY UPDATE 4:30 P.M.: Crews restore about 80% of customers on Maui
THURSDAY UPDATE 1 P.M.: Power restored to more than 80% of Maui customers
Aug. 17, 2023
More than 400 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors are continuing with efforts to rebuild sections of the electric grid and safely restore service in parts of West Maui and Upcountry.
As of this morning, about 1,900 customers in West Maui remain without electricity. Hawaiian Electric will be reaching out to those whose power may be restored after this week. Power has been restored to more than 80% of customers who have been without electricity since last week.
Maui Nui Strong
Aug. 17, 2023
The County of Maui developed the Maui Nui Strong website as a resource for the community, providing residents, businesses and visitors to useful information. If you are seeking support on Maui or looking for ways to provide support, visit mauinuistrong.info/support for resources that are updated daily.
10:00 a.m. update
Aug. 17, 2023
Damaged transmission lines in Upcountry Maui have been repaired. Work continues on restoration in the West Maui area, where facilities that provide essential needs such as groceries and supplies are located. Power has been restored to more than 80% of Maui customers who have been without electricity since last week.
A message from President and CEO Shelee Kimura
Aug. 17, 2023
Aloha mai kakou
The past days have been devastating for Maui and all of Hawaii. We have seen human loss and devastation on a scale that’s difficult for our hearts and minds to process. Maui lost homes and businesses, places of worship and cherished historic places. My heart breaks over and over, alongside all of Hawaii, for the people, communities and aina of Maui. While the loss is unimaginable, Maui’s spirit, strength and resilience endures.
For generations past, present and future, our kuleana is to Hawaii. Hawaiian Electric is a company of Hawaii, for Hawaii, and Maui is part of our ohana. When ohana needs you, you show up. We are not spectators or detached observers. This is us. We are thousands of people across five islands who call Hawaii our home, including many personally impacted by the windstorm and fires. We are here for Maui and its people however long it takes.
Read the full letter from Shelee Kimura.
6:00 p.m. update
Aug. 16, 2023
More than 100 utility poles will be needed to meet restoration priorities, and a shipment is expected to arrive from Oahu in the coming days. Fencing and other equipment is also being shipped from Oahu to support setup and stabilization of the second mobile substation.
3:30 p.m. update
Aug. 16, 2023
Mahalo to our customers for your patience and understanding as we continue to assess damage, conduct repairs and work to establish restoration timelines. Our crews are working to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE 1:00 P.M.: Crews focus on infrastructure repair to support restoration in West Maui
Aug. 16, 2023
Hawaiian Electric crews working to restore power to customers have completed repair of damaged transmission lines in the Upcountry area. Work continues on infrastructure to support restoration in the West Maui area, where facilities that provide essential needs such as groceries and supplies are located.
As of this morning, approximately 2,000 customers in West Maui remain without electricity, and Hawaiian Electric will be reaching out to those who may experience an extended outage. Crews are working to install a second mobile substation to support restoration for the Launiupoko to Olowalu areas. Once online, the mobile substation is expected to restore power to homes, schools and county facilities in those areas. This complex process takes time to safely connect customers. Substations step down power from high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution lines that serve neighborhoods.
10:30 a.m. update
Aug. 16, 2023
Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors from Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai gathered for a blessing with Kahu Kordell Kekoa before heading out to continue with restoration efforts to support the Maui community.
7:30 a.m. update
Aug. 16, 2023
We are committed to being here for our Maui ohana. After the morning briefing at the Kahului base yard, crews will continue to safely work on addressing pocket outages today in West Maui and Upcountry.
6:00 p.m. update
Aug. 15, 2023
The focus continues to be safely restoring areas that provide essential public services as well as facilities serving first responders and the emergency response efforts. This includes services and resources such as water, wastewater, gas stations, and hotels that are being planned for temporary shelter.
5:00 p.m. update
Aug. 15, 2023
Our response efforts include more than 400 employees and contractors working to safely bring power back to communities on Maui. Employees are providing additional resources to expedite and respond to the restoration efforts on Maui.
2:30 p.m. update
Aug. 15, 2023
Mahalo to everyone who has worked tirelessly for the last week on recovery and restoration efforts on Maui. You have the support and gratitude of the entire Hawaiian Electric ohana behind you. Please watch this video highlighting the work by our Incident Management team.
TUESDAY UPDATE 12 P.M.: Crews work to restore more customers in parts of West Maui, Upcountry
Aug. 15, 2023
Hawaiian Electric is working to restore more customers in parts of West Maui and Upcountry today and thanks customers for their continued patience.
“Hawaiian Electric is committed to being here for our Maui ohana and for all of the community, no matter how long it takes,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric president and CEO. “We’re working closely with state and county emergency management teams who prioritized critical circuits for restoration, including those serving stores, pharmacies, gas stations, county water, wastewater and public safety facilities.”
Maui Economic Opportunity
Aug. 15, 2023
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. is now accepting direct donations to be used for rental placements for those displaced by the fires. Donations are accepted by check and credit card (via Paypal). For more information, visit meoinc.org.
Photo credit: Maui Economic Opportunity
8:30 a.m. update
Aug. 15, 2023
Crews prepared to head out to continue restoring power to affected communities on Maui after their daily briefing and prayer. Our focus is on energizing additional transmission lines and circuits serving the Lahaina area and restoring pockets of Upcountry and West Maui customers still out of service.
7:00 p.m. update
Aug. 14, 2023
Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura spoke at today’s news conference with Governor Josh Green, M.D., Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, and emergency management officials. “Hawaiian Electric and our employees will be here for as long as it takes to help the people of Maui recover,” she said.
6:30 p.m. update
Aug. 14, 2023
Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura met with the line crew at Kahului base yard today before they headed out to continue restoration work on Maui. “I’m so proud to be with you. I want to make sure you’re all ok, that you’re taking care of yourselves, and taking care of each other while you’re taking care of the community.”
MONDAY UPDATE 4:30 P.M.: Crews restore about 80% of customers on Maui
Aug. 14, 2023
Hawaiian Electric has restored power to about 80% of the customers who have been without electricity since Tuesday. Crews are continuing response efforts to restore about 100 customers in Upcountry and approximately 2,300 customers in West Maui. This estimated outage count has been adjusted downward to account for structures that were damaged or destroyed.
In West Maui, the focus continues to be safely restoring areas that provide essential public services as well as facilities serving first responders and the emergency response efforts. This includes services and resources such as water, wastewater, gas stations, and hotels that are being planned for temporary shelter.
Earlier today, crews restored power to the Lahaina Civic Center and are working to bring other emergency response facilities in the area back online. Crews also completed the installation of the mobile substation in the Lahainaluna area and are working to bring it online. Once online, the mobile sub is expected to restore power to homes, schools and county facilities mauka of the Lahaina Bypass Road. This complex process takes time to safely connect customers. Substations step down power from high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage distribution lines that serve neighborhoods.
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
Aug. 14, 2023
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) and Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) programs for wildfire survivors in Maui County. These programs provide relief to survivors by supplying shelter or money to cover urgent necessities.
The TSA program allows for shelter in pre-identified hotels or motels for a limited amount of time. Payment is made by FEMA.
The CNA program provides a one-time $700 payment per household.
Read more in FEMA’s official news release: http://hwnelec.co/JGts50Pz8AH
12:30 p.m. update
Aug. 14, 2023
Crews on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, completed installation of a mobile substation at the Lahainaluna substation. The mobile unit is expected to help restore power to customers in the neighboring subdivision, which includes homes, three schools and county water facilities.
8:00 a.m. update
Aug. 14, 2023
Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura met with employees in Kahului today as they prepared to continue restoration work on Maui. “I’m so proud to be with you. I want to make sure you’re all ok, that you’re taking care of yourselves, and taking care of each other while you’re taking care of the community."
5:00 p.m. update
Aug. 13, 2023
Governor Josh Green and the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) today announced the launch of the Hawaii Fire Relief Housing program aimed at connecting Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires, with property owners who wish to provide them with rooms, dwelling units, houses and other accommodations immediately.
Program application forms will go live tomorrow, Aug. 14, 2023, at 8 a.m. on HHFDC's website at dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc. A list of available properties should be online by Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. The program will remain active indefinitely.
Learn more at http://hwnelec.co/gOXi50PymoN.
2:00 p.m. update
Aug. 13, 2023
Crews from Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai did a prayer this morning at Kahului base yard before heading out to work. They prayed for the entire Maui community and the families affected by the wildfires. They also said a prayer to keep each and every responder safe as everyone continues to work on recovery and restoration efforts.
SUNDAY UPDATE 1 P.M.: Crews working to restore power to 5,000 affected customers on Maui
Aug. 13, 2023
Hawaiian Electric restoration crews have brought back online more than 60% of customers who have been without electricity since Tuesday and are continuing work to restore approximately 5,000 customers in West Maui and Upcountry. The customer outage count has not been adjusted downward to account for structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
In West Maui, Hawaiian Electric's response efforts today are focusing on restoring power to areas of Olowalu, Lahainaluna, and remaining affected pockets of Kaanapali, and Napili. Yesterday, crews completed installation of a mobile substation at the Lahainaluna substation. The mobile unit is expected to help restore power today to customers in the neighboring subdivision, which includes homes, schools and county water facilities.
Mobile Health Vehicle
Aug. 13, 2023
Effective today, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii's Mobile Health Vehicle will provide first aid at the Lahaina Gateway to members and non-members at no cost. The Mobile Health Vehicle will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no appointment necessary. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente will have first aid stations at the Hyatt Regency Lahaina and Napili Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no appointment necessary.
For more information, you can visit kp.org/hawaii.
7:30 a.m. update
Aug. 13, 2023
Restoration efforts continue to progress and we are focusing on safely bringing power back to communities in West Maui and Upcountry. Several hundreds of responders, employees from Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai and contractors are providing response resources, including staffing, materials and equipment to expedite and respond to the ongoing restoration work on Maui.
SATURDAY UPDATE 7:30 P.M.: Power restored to more areas of West Maui
Aug. 12, 2023
Hawaiian Electric restored additional circuits today in West Maui, picking up customers along the Kaanapali Coast, including many of the hotels, resorts and condominiums that had been without electricity since Tuesday.
Since Friday, service has been restored to about 5,500 customers in West Maui. Once power is fully restored to the resort area, state and Maui County officials will work with participating hotels and resorts to provide rooms for displaced residents who have been in shelters since the fire.
5:00 p.m. update
Aug. 12, 2023
Aside from supplies and equipment, additional bucket trucks from Hawaii Island were shipped yesterday to Maui to assist with recovery and restoration efforts.
Our company’s full resources across the five islands we serve are responding to support the needs of the Maui community.
4:00 p.m. update
Aug. 12, 2023
Support our neighbors affected by the devastating Maui fires. In these difficult times, our collective generosity and aloha spirit can make an incredible difference. If you are able to make a donation, please consider making it towards one of these reputable support organizations:
- Hawaii Community Foundation – Maui Strong Fund
- American Red Cross of Hawaii
- Maui Food Bank
- Maui United Way
- Aloha United Way Maui Relief Fund
- Hawaii Salvation Army
2:30 p.m. update
Aug. 12, 2023
We have suspended bills for approximately 18,000 customers located in the affected areas in West Maui and parts of Upcountry to ensure that those who have experienced a loss can focus on taking care of themselves and their families. Customers with emails should have received a notice on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. For any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Care Center at 808-871-7777.
1:30 p.m. update
Aug. 12, 2023
Our employees continue to receive shipment of supplies to help with restoration and recovery efforts. Mahalo for the encouraging words and support as we work together to get through this difficult time.
SATURDAY UPDATE 1 P.M.: Hawaiian Electric continues work to restore power to parts of West Maui
Aug. 12, 2023
Hawaiian Electric restoration efforts continue today with more than 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors working to safely bring power back to communities in West Maui and Upcountry. Employees from Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai are also providing additional response resources, including staffing, expertise, materials and equipment to expedite and respond to the restoration efforts on Maui.
Today, crews are setting up a mobile substation at the damaged Lahainaluna substation to help restore power to customers in the neighboring subdivision, which includes homes, three schools and county water facilities. Crews today are also working to replace some of the estimated 40 poles and other equipment damaged by the fire and high wind. Additional damage assessments by helicopter in the air and on the ground are being conducted and extensive restoration repairs are continuing in areas that are safe and accessible.
8:00 a.m. update
Aug. 12, 2023
Crews gathered at Kahului base yard for a briefing before heading out this morning. More than 300 people are working on power restoration and recovery efforts on Maui.
7:30 a.m. update
Aug. 12, 2023
After a morning briefing at Kahului base yard before heading out, crews prepare their fleet with necessary tools and equipment.
Restoration efforts continue today with more than 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors working safely to bring power back to communities in West Maui. Crews also will be working to restore service to remaining pocket customers in Upcountry.
FRIDAY UPDATE 6 P.M.: Hawaiian Electric restores power to parts of Napili, Puukolii, Mahinahina
Aug. 11, 2023
Hawaiian Electric has restored power to one of three main transmission lines serving West Maui and restored service to some customers in Napili, Puukolii, and Mahinahina where essential public services, such as water pumps, and first responder facilities are located.
Crews are continuing work to restore remaining pockets in these areas and restoring additional essential public services and facilities serving first responders in the Kapalua area. The number of customers restored is still relatively small and the aim is for additional circuits to be brought online tonight and this weekend.
Restoring transmission lines is an essential first step in the restoration process. Transmission lines are the backbone of the electric system, bringing electricity from generating stations to neighborhoods. From there, substations and neighborhood circuits need to be repaired to restore service to customers.
Hawaiian Electric is currently focusing on:
- Upcountry: Restoring remaining pockets of customers, where an estimated 70 customers remain out of power.
- Advising customers in other areas of West Maui without power to prepare for extended outages that could last several weeks. Crews are continuing to conduct additional damage assessments by helicopter in the air and on the ground and starting restoration repairs in areas that are safe and accessible.
- Reminding everyone to exercise caution as certain areas are brought back online, to stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths). If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Report downed lines immediately by calling Hawaiian Electric’s Maui Trouble Line at 808-871-7777.
About 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors from Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai are working on the massive damage assessment, repair and restoration effort. The company’s Incident Management Team continues to coordinate closely with Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations.
5:00 p.m. update
Aug. 11, 2023
In continued coordination with State and County emergency response efforts, Hawaiian Electric crews are continuing to make repairs in areas that are safe and accessible. Our company’s Incident Management Team continues to coordinate closely with Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations. Approximately 300 employees and contractors, across five islands, are on the ground on Maui helping with damage assessment and restoration efforts.
4:00 p.m. update
Aug. 11, 2023
Additional crews and resources from Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai have been deployed to assist with massive response efforts on Maui, and our company’s Incident Management Team continues to coordinate closely with Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations.
3:30 p.m. update
Aug. 11, 2023
Approximately 300 employees and contractors across five islands are on the ground on Maui helping with damage assessment and restoration efforts.
FRIDAY UPDATE 2 p.m.: Hawaiian Electric crews continue with damage assessments, repairs
Aug. 11, 2023
In continued coordination with State and County emergency response efforts, Hawaiian Electric crews today are continuing to make repairs in areas that are safe and accessible.
As part of this response effort, the company is currently focusing on:
- Upcountry: Restoring remaining pockets of customers, where an estimated 70 customers remain out of power.
- West Maui: Conducting additional damage assessments by helicopter and drone in the air and on the ground and starting restoration repairs in areas that are safe and accessible. Restoration will first focus on essential public services and facilities serving first responders and emergency response efforts in the areas of the Lahaina Civic Center, Mahinahina, Napili, and Kapalua.
- Advising customers in West Maui without power to prepare for extended outages that could last several weeks in some areas.
- Reminding everyone to exercise caution as certain areas are brought back online, to stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths).If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Report downed lines immediately by calling Hawaiian Electric’s Maui Trouble Line at 808-871-7777.
- Reminding if using a portable generator, carefully follow instructions in the manufacturer's manual, for your safety and the safety of Hawaiian Electric employees working to restore electricity to the distribution system. Don’t plug household electrical outlets to the generator. Instead, plug your equipment or appliance directly into the generator. Make sure the wattage requirements of the appliance don’t exceed the capacity of your generator or extension cord. Also, be sure to provide adequate ventilation for exhaust and cooling. And store reserve fuel in a safe place away from the generator or any other equipment that might ignite the fuel; use containers designed for fuel storage.
HEI Charitable Foundation Donates $100,000 to Maui United Way and Hawaii Community Foundation
Aug. 11, 2023
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) (NYSE: HE) has pledged to donate $100,000 to support relief efforts relating to the wildfires on Maui:
- $50,000 will be contributed to Maui United Way
- $50,000 will be contributed to Hawaii Community Foundation - Maui Strong Fund
“Our hearts are with Maui and those affected by the devastating wildfires,” said Scott Seu, HEI president and CEO. “Our foundation is working with our nonprofit partners to provide resources where they are needed most. Mahalo to everyone in the community working together and contributing to this important cause.”
The HEI Charitable Foundation has a longstanding partnership with Maui United Way and Hawaii Community Foundation. HEI’s donation will go toward these nonprofit organizations’ efforts to provide relief to individuals, families and community groups directly affected by the wildfires on Maui.
Hawaiian Electric assisting in West Maui emergency response efforts
Aug. 10, 2023
Hawaiian Electric is currently coordinating and assisting with State and County emergency response efforts in West Maui. As part of this response effort, the company is currently focusing on:
- Ensuring safety and supporting the State and County emergency response, which includes our crews assisting with first clearing and maintaining access to impacted areas in West Maui today
- Starting critical damage assessments to begin restoration efforts once areas are safe and accessible
- Asking West Maui customers without power to prepare for extended outages that could last several weeks in some areas.
Approximately 12,400 customers in West Maui remain without power as access continues to be limited to many impacted areas due to safety and emergency response concerns. Damage assessments and restoration efforts will advance as areas become safe and accessible.
Emergency Response Update on Maui
Aug. 9, 2023
Hawaiian Electric asks for continued patience on power restorations on Maui
Aug. 9, 2023
Hawaiian Electric is asking for continued patience from affected West Maui and Upcountry customers without power and for affected customers to plan for extended outages as access to many impacted areas is limited due to safety and emergency response concerns.
"We are all hands on deck in supporting and responding to Maui communities affected by the outages, active wildfires, and sustained high wind damage," said Shayna Decker, Hawaiian Electric spokesperson. "Our focus right now is the safety of our communities, customers, and workforce and prioritizing power restoration to areas that our crews can safely access. We continue to actively monitor the fluid wildfire situation and will move our restoration efforts to other areas if and as they become safe and accessible. We appreciate the continued understanding and ask customers to please prepare for possible extended outages as we conduct damage assessments and make extensive repairs."
Hawaiian Electric asks West Maui, Upcountry customers to prepare for possible extended outages into this evening
Aug. 8, 2023
As high winds continue to impact the electrical system on Maui, Hawaiian Electric is asking currently affected customers in West Maui and Upcountry to potentially prepare for an extended outage into the late evening as crews are working to complete extensive repairs in these areas. Customers not restored by 7 p.m. this evening can plan for possible overnight outages.
Additional crews are arriving from Oahu to help with the restoration efforts. The company has also activated its Incident Management Team and is working closely with County of Maui Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations.
#MauiStrong
Support our neighbors affected by the devastating Maui fires. In these difficult times, our collective generosity and aloha spirit can make an incredible difference.
