KAHULUI, Hawaii — A drone being used to conduct aerial inspections in Maui County was targeted and damaged while in flight last week. The incident has prompted Hawaiian Electric to raise public awareness about its drone operations.

What You Need To Know

  • Although Hawaiian Electric uses helicopters, they have contracted the company E2 to incorporate drones for use in aerial inspections in tight areas that can quickly identify issues

  • They are being used as part of HECO’s ongoing wildfire safety strategy in Maui County, Hawaii Island and on Oahu to inspect the company’s electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas

  • Hawaiian Electric and E2 staff work alongside one other to conduct drone inspections from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays

  • All field personnel will carry a Hawaiian Electric contractor or employee identification badge

The drone was being used to inspect overhead lines on Maui and “was purposely targeted and damaged while in midair, downing the tool,” according to a news release.

Although Hawaiian Electric uses helicopters, they have contracted the company E2 to incorporate drones for use in aerial inspections in tight areas that can quickly identify issues. They are being used as part of HECO’s ongoing wildfire safety strategy in Maui County, Hawaii Island and on Oahu to inspect the company’s electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas.

“While we often do aerial inspections of our electrical infrastructure by helicopter, we have increased the use of drones as part of our ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts to keep our communities safe,” said Hawaiian Electric spokesperson Shayna Decker in the release.

“The drones play a critical role in our inspection process, and the technology enables us to more quickly identify issues to prevent or mitigate wildfires. To deter future vandalism and to maintain safety of the public and our workforce, we please ask for the public’s help to say something if they see something suspicious during our inspections,” Decker said.

Hawaiian Electric and E2 staff work alongside one other to conduct drone inspections from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Personnel use either Hawaiian Electric or ProEnergy company marked vehicles and will wear either a Hawaiian Electric or ProEnergy company branded hard hat and vest. All field personnel will carry a Hawaiian Electric contractor or employee identification badge.

Staff will only inspect poles and power lines and will not request to enter a home or business. But if a situation calls for staff to enter private property to access a utility pole, they will let the homeowner or business owner know. The inspections will not impact electrical service.

The public can contact Hawaiian Electric Customer Service or call the E2 contractor at 559-515-3840 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays with any questions.