5:30 p.m. Update: Hawaiian Electric continues to monitor wildfire risk conditions on Hawaii Island

5:30 p.m. Update: Hawaiian Electric continues to monitor wildfire risk conditions on Hawaii Island

Storm preparations also ongoing

Release Date: 8/14/2026

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HONOLULU, Aug. 14, 2026 - Despite rain and increasing humidity on Hawaii Island, Hawaiian Electric is keeping a close eye on wildfire risk conditions, mainly due to high wind gusts and downsloping winds that can rapidly dry vegetation. The company also continues its preparations ahead of the incoming storm.

More than 500 employees, contractors and support workers are positioned across Hawaiian Electric's service territory to assist with damage assessment and power restoration efforts once the storm passes. These crews will also be available to assist should a Public Safety Power Shutoff become necessary. Customers across Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu counties are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

On Hawaii Island, Hawaiian Electric has increased 24/7 staffing and has additional personnel from Oahu arriving in advance of the storm. Crews are at-the-ready in Hilo, Kona and Waimea, and the company is prepared to send more crews from other islands, as needed.

Hawaiian Electric also has contractors standing by to help with any necessary restoration after the storm passes. We have a well-stocked inventory of poles, transformers and other key equipment on island to help with quicker restoration.

Current outages are not related to the company's PSPS program.

How to stay informed

Hawaiian Electric will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources:

• Hawaiian Electric website: hawaiianelectric.com
• Twitter/X: @HwnElectric; @mauielectric; @hielectriclight
• Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric
• Mobile app: free download available on Apple App and Google Play stores