Power has been restored to another 1,400 customers across Hawaiʻi Island following the disruptions caused by Hurricane Lala, according to an update issued by Hawaiian Electric. Utility repair crews are making steady progress through storm-battered communities, though approximately 2,920 customers still remain without electricity.
Recent Restoration Progress Across the Big Island
Repair crews have successfully re-energized service in several specific areas over the past 24 hours. According to Hawaiian Electric, power is back on in Hawaiian Ranchos, Puako, Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Beaches, and pockets of Oceanview. Additional restored communities include Kaloko Mauka, Holualoa, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidlands Estates, Fern Acres, and Volcano.
To accelerate these ongoing efforts, additional logistical support has arrived on the island. A second C-17 cargo aircraft transported utility trucks, equipment, and tools via military transport from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hilo, as reported by Hawaiian Electric. This heavy equipment directly supports utility personnel and mutual assistance crews from Southern California Edison.
Pro Tip for Residents: Customers who experienced major flooding and are still waiting for power must ensure their main circuit breaker is off. Hawaiian Electric advises contacting a licensed electrician to confirm systems are safe to re-energize before power returns.
Estimated Restoration Timeframes by Region
Hawaiian Electric released updated estimated restoration timetables based on the best available data. These projections may shift depending on site access, hidden line damage, or the need for specialized equipment.
- Within 24 hours: Ongoing restoration targets Hawaiian Acres, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Leilani Estates, Nanawale Estates, Royal Hawaiian Estates, Fern Forest, Glenwood, Mountain View, Upper Puna, Orchidland, Kaloko Mauka to Holualoa, Ocean View, Upper and Lower Ahualoa, Maliu Ridge, and Hawi to Halaula. Repair work on transmission lines to Pahala is scheduled to energize, while distribution lines undergo further assessment.
- Beyond 48 hours: Extended outages remain possible in parts of Halaula, Hawi, Maliu Ridge, Cane Haul Road, Pahala Town, and portions of Puna including Fern Acres, Eden Roc, Glenwood, and Mountain View.
- 5 to 7 days: Pocket outages in Naalehu, Pahala, and underground work in Punaluu will take longer to resolve.
- By September 8: Full restoration is projected for remaining areas in Kau, including small pockets in Naalehu and Pahala, underground work in Punaluu, Kapapala, and Wood Valley, where debris clearance is required before rebuilding distribution lines.
Safety Guidelines for Solar and Battery Systems
Residents with photovoltaic panels and battery energy storage systems installed on their properties should consult a licensed solar contractor, according to utility advisories. Professionals can verify normal and emergency operational procedures before the main grid reactivates.
Did You Know? Hawaiian Electric representatives are stationed at Vibrant Hawai‘i’s Point of Distribution site at Pahala Community Center to answer direct questions from residents and provide localized repair updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my area is not listed on the restoration map?
According to Hawaiian Electric, the published list focuses on larger or more complex outage areas. Even if a specific neighborhood is omitted, utility operators are aware of the outage and are actively working on restoration.
Why are some undamaged areas still without power?
Utility officials note that some locations escaping direct storm damage remain offline due to upstream damage affecting the transmission lines and facilities that supply power to their specific grid sector.
Who should I contact regarding my solar battery storage system?
Residents should contact their licensed solar contractor directly to review emergency operation procedures for photovoltaic and battery systems before utility power is fully restored.
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