10 p.m. update: Hawaiian Electric shuts off power in South Kohala area due to wildfire risk

10 p.m. update: Hawaiian Electric shuts off power in South Kohala area due to wildfire risk

Public Safety Power Shutoff in effect

Release Date: 11/12/2025

Download PDF

HONOLULU, Nov. 12, 2025 - Due to the threat of wildfires from high winds and dry conditions, Hawaiian Electric has initiated its Public Safety Power Shutoff program and proactively shut off power in the South Kohala area of Hawaii Island, which has high exposure to wildfire risk. Weather conditions can change extremely rapidly, so the company still urges customers in all high-risk areas on Hawaii Island and Maui to implement their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

Outages that are not related to the company's PSPS program could still occur due to high winds and other conditions. Hawaiian Electric does not disclose exact locations of outages for customer safety and security purposes. General outage information can be viewed on the company's online outage maps: Power Outages | Hawaiian Electric.

The criteria for determining a shutoff are persistent drought conditions, wind gusts 45 mph and higher, and relative humidity below 45%. The company analyzes data from weather stations and cameras near its infrastructure in high-risk areas with potential for fire spread. Wind gusts can be stronger in higher elevations than in residential areas.

For more information, call Hawaiian Electric's PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS. Follow Hawaiian Electric on social media or our mobile app.

PSPS Process

• Power will remain shut off so long as hazardous weather conditions persist.
• When the weather improves, power lines must be inspected, and any damage must be repaired before service can be restored. This may involve ground crews and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones.
• This process may result in extended outages lasting several hours, possibly even days depending on the location and extent of any damage.

Please stay safe

• Stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away. Call Hawaiian Electric's Trouble Lines listed below, or for emergency assistance, call 911.
  • Oahu: 1-855-304-1212
  • Hawaii Island: 1-855-304-9191
  • Maui County: 1-855-304-8181
• If you must travel, please help protect line workers and crews when you see them on the roadside assessing damages or making emergency repairs. Move over from the lane nearest the workers or slow down until you can safely pass the work site.
• Use extreme caution when driving. Power interruptions may cause traffic signals to stop working without warning. If you come to an intersection with a non-working traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.
• If using a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer's manual.
• Ensure that all electric appliances, especially ovens and stoves, are turned off to prevent fires when the power comes back on.

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