About 6,600 still without power; ‘recovery centers’ to open

Crews continue to make progress on restoring power to customers affected by Tropical Storm Iselle, according to Hawaii Electric Light Co.

As of Wednesday morning, an estimated 6,600 — or about 8 percent — of customers remain without power, down from an estimated 8,100 on Monday.

“We understand many of our customers are still dealing with a very difficult situation. We are devoting every available resource to this effort. We have made progress and are committed to restoring power as quickly as possible,” HELCO spokesman Darren Pai said in a written statement.

Line crews were scheduled to work in Hamakua, upper Puna, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Beaches and Hawaiian Paradise Park, and contracted crews were to work in Leilani Estates and Nanawale Estates.

HELCO continues to operate its customer information center 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at Hawaiian Shores Community Center in Hawaiian Beaches. Customers may bring their electronic devices and get them charged.

Hawaiian Telcom crews were working with HELCO and others to clear fallen trees, downed poles and cables, and other debris.

“Once all the roads are open, we can inspect our facilities and equipment in the areas we haven’t been able to reach, such as subdivisions within the Puna District,” said Bryan Lindsey, Hawaiian Telcom’s Big Island manager. “While we’ve restored service to thousands of Big Island customers who were impacted by the storm, we know that others are waiting and want to assure them that we will get to them just as quickly as possible.”