With more than 70% of the state experiencing drought conditions, Hawaiian Electric announced Monday that it is readying its Public Safety Power Shutoff program to reduce the risk of its equipment igniting fires in dry and windy conditions.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme drought conditions are present in areas of Hawaii Island. Severe and moderate drought conditions exist on Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Honolulu
  • Drought areas are prone to dry vegetation that can fuel wildfires, especially in windy conditions
  • If weather data indicates that there may be heightened risk of wildfire in the coming days, the program now allows for a watch period 24 to 48 hours before a possible shutdown to allow residents in affected areas to activate emergency plans
  • Recent progress includes the replacement or upgrading 871 wood poles and the replacement of 12 miles of overhead copper conductors with aluminum, 2,800 expulsion fuses and 982 arrestors

 

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, extreme drought conditions are present in areas of Hawaii Island. Severe and moderate drought conditions exist on Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Honolulu.

Hawaii Island, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau are also experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Moderate drought conditions are also present along the western coasts of Honolulu and Kauai.

Drought areas are prone to dry vegetation that can fuel wildfires, especially in windy conditions. Click here to see maps of PSPS zones on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui County. 

Developed in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, HECO’s PSPS program serves as the utility’s last line of defense by proactively shutting off power in high-risk areas that meet the following primary criteria:

  • Persistent drought conditions
  • Wind gusts 45 mph and higher
  • Relative humidity below 45%

The utility notes that red flag or fire weather warnings from the National Weather Service do not automatically trigger a disconnection of power.

If weather data indicates that there may be heightened risk of wildfire in the coming days, the program now allows for a watch period 24 to 48 hours before a possible shutdown to allow residents in affected areas to activate emergency plans.

HECO customers are encouraged to review their emergency plans and take necessary steps to protect their homes and business. Because wildfires can spread quickly, even outside of high-risk conditions, residents are advised to keep a “go bag” of essential items ready at all times and to pay close attention to notifications from HECO and government emergency agencies.

For tips on how to prepare for an emergency, download HECO’s Handbook for Emergency Preparedness. To learn more about wildfire safety, visit the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization website.

HECO reported it is continuing to implement its multi-year strategy to harden its electrical grids and reduce the risk of wildfires associated with utility infrastructure.

Recent progress includes the replacement or upgrading 871 wood poles and the replacement of 12 miles of overhead copper conductors with aluminum, 2,800 expulsion fuses and 982 arrestors. The utility has also started planning for the replacement of 75 miles of overhead lines with covered conductors and the hardening of 19 miles of transmission and subtransmission lines.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.