Rebuilding West Maui
Urgent restoration work and rebuilding portions of the damaged electric system in West Maui continues. Anticipated to be completed in 2024, Hawaiian Electric's interim transmission line work does not preclude the possibility of underground utilities in the future as long-term community-driven plans are developed.
Wildfire Safety
The safety of our customers, employees and the communities we serve is our highest priority. We first began developing our Wildfire Safety Strategy in 2019 and continue to adapt it to address the elevated risks in Hawaii.
Suspension of Disconnections
We have suspended service disconnections for customers on Maui through May 4, 2024 due to the impact of the devastating wildfires. Late fees and interest charges will not be incurred during this time for these customers.
Hawaiian Electric helps to power West Maui temporary school
The first of our “Aloha for Maui” series highlights the work we’re doing in the community.
In collaboration with federal and state agencies, Hawaiian Electric crews worked to interconnect and power the newly constructed temporary school King Kamehameha III Elementary campus that opened to students on April 1.
Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with Goodfellow Brothers, Du-Watts Electric, and Aina Excavation, Hawaiian Electric teams planned, designed, and installed new electrical infrastructure that included three new utility poles, overhead conductors, and a pad-mounted transformer for underground electrical facilities that enabled the temporary school site to be energized with power on Feb. 5.
Additional Resources
Our response to the windstorm
Hundreds of responders, employees from Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai and Lanai and contractors provided response resources, including staffing, materials and equipment to expedite and respond to the ongoing restoration work on Maui.
Congressional hearing documents
- Responses to additional questions for House Committee on Energy and Commerce Sept. 28, 2023 hearing
- House Committee on Energy and Commerce response to Sept. 28, 2023 hearing
- Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura’s opening statement on U.S House of Representatives hearing on Sept. 28, 2023 on investigating the role of the electric infrastructure
Maui financial assistance
These financial assistance programs are administered by nonprofit organizations and/or government agencies. Availability of funding may be limited.
Payment plan options
View a list of interest-free payment arrangement options available for a limited time and in multiple languages. Other payment assistance options are available as well.
Moratorium on disconnections of electric service for nonpayment for Maui customers extended through May 4
March 5, 2024
Suspension of service disconnections for all Hawaiian Electric customers on Maui has been extended through at least May 4, 2024, in accordance with the extension of Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation. Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about potential disconnection of their electric service.
This extends the disconnection moratorium which was previously set to end March 5. Any Maui customers who receive threats of immediate disconnection unless payment is made during this time should consider the threat a scam. Depending on future circumstances, this special assistance period may be extended.
Regulators approve 5-year grid resilience plan
Feb. 1, 2024
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved Hawaiian Electric's $190 million Climate Adaptation Transmission and Distribution Resilience Program application, which will help defend against the increasing threat of wildfires and harden its five island electric grids against severe weather-related events fueled by climate change.
The decision is an essential regulatory step enabling Hawaiian Electric to move forward with $95 million in funding granted under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) by matching it with $95 million to come from customers. By applying for and receiving the grant, Hawaiian Electric reduced the cost to customers by half.
Hawaiian Electric continues restoration efforts in West Maui
Jan. 25, 2024
Hawaiian Electric is continuing restoration work to rebuild portions of the electric system in Lahaina to ensure safe and reliable power to all West Maui customers. Ongoing restoration efforts include the rebuilding of transmission and distribution lines along former routes in the Lahaina area with the installation of new interim steel poles and electrical equipment.
The company looks forward to working with the Lahaina community as well as federal, state and county officials on community-driven long-term plans for Lahaina that would include the potential to underground electric lines in the future.
Moratorium on service disconnections for nonpayment for Maui customers extended through March 5, 2024
Jan. 5, 2024
Suspension of service disconnections for all Hawaiian Electric customers on Maui has been extended through at least March 5, 2024, in accordance with the extension of Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation. Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about potential disconnection of their electric service.
This extends the disconnection moratorium which was previously set to end Jan. 5. Any Maui customers who receive threats of immediate disconnection unless payment is made during this time should consider the threat a scam. Depending on future circumstances, this special assistance period may be extended.
Hawaiian Electric supports One Ohana Initiative with statewide partners to aid healing, path forward for Hawaii
Nov. 8, 2023
Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura issued this statement today:
After three months, the devastation and pain on Maui and across Hawaii are still fresh in our minds and hearts. We hope to honor those who have been lost and seriously injured by providing support and a path forward. We believe the One Ohana Initiative is a powerful example of how, in times of hardship and heartbreak, Hawaii stands together for our people and our communities.
In the overwhelming days immediately after the fires, Governor Green emphasized that his priority was to provide quick help to those who were hurt. As part of the coalition supporting this initiative, we value the Governor’s leadership to focus our initial efforts on the people and the families who have suffered the greatest losses.
Hawaiian Electric advances Wildfire Safety Strategy, expands grid resilience work
Nov. 3, 2023
Hawaiian Electric today announced actions it is taking as part of its Wildfire Safety Strategy, particularly in drought-stricken areas at elevated risk for wildfires.
“With the events of Aug. 8 fresh in our minds, safety remains our top priority, and as drought conditions continue, Hawaii is seeing heightened risks for wildfires across the state, as we have seen this week with a fire near Mililani. We are building upon our current strategy and implementing new and expanded practices to further reduce the risk of wildfires,” said Jim Alberts, senior vice president and chief operations officer of Hawaiian Electric.
Important Documents
#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.
