Hawaii Electric Light Co. continues to restore electric service to customers who lost power as a result of Tropical Storm Iselle. However, the company said in a prepared statement Thursday that 800 customers still are in the dark and it could take another two weeks — in some cases, even longer — to restore power to all affected customers.
Service to an additional 300 customers was restored Wednesday, the company said Thursday in a written statement. An estimated 800 customers remain without power. That is more than 99 percent of the company’s Big Island customers.
Nearly all of the customers remaining without power are located in Nanawale Estates, where electrical line crews are focusing efforts on Thursday, the company said.
Customers in other areas who are still without power should report their outage by calling 969-6666.
The utility said electrical line crews were also working Thursday in Hawaiian Paradise Park, Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens. Tree-trimming and hole-digging crews are also working in Hawaiian Acres, Lanipuna Gardens, Mauna Loa Estates, Pohoiki Road, Volcano and Nanawale.
Although crews have made good progress and restoration in many areas may be much faster, estimates indicate it could take approximately another two weeks – and in some cases, even longer – to restore power to the areas with the most significant damage. Actual restoration times for each location will depend on the extent of the damage.
“We understand how hard it’s been for these customers who have been without power for such a long time. We assure them that we we’re committed to restoring service to all of our customers,” said Darren Pai, HELCO spokesman.
HELCO’s Customer Information Center remains open at the Leilani Estates Community Center at 13-3441 Moku St. in lower Puna. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center will close after Friday, Aug. 22.
After the center closes, customers may call 969-6666 for status updates.