By Tribune-Herald staff
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Hawaiian Electric is drones for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas on Hawaii Island.

The drones play a critical role in the inspection process, and the technology enables the utility to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires, according to a Hawaiian Electric press release.

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Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Osmose to conduct the drone inspections, alongside the company’s own staff.

Inspections typically will be conducted between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. If necessary, inspections occasionally might be conducted on Sundays.

Personnel will drive Hawaiian Electric- or Osmose-marked company vehicles. If on foot, the drone operator will wear a Hawaiian Electric or Osmose company-branded hard hat and vest.

All personnel carry a Hawaiian Electric contractor or employee identification badge.

According to Hawaiian Electric, the inspections are performed at the poles and power lines, and no one will request to enter a home or business. There could be instances where the operator must enter private property, like a yard, to access a utility pole. In these instances, the operator will make their presence known before accessing equipment located on private property.

Electric service will not be impacted.

For questions about this work, contact Hawaiian Electric at (808) 969-6999 or its contractor Osmose at (808) 218-3709 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hawaiian Electric said its drone program is in full compliance of all Federal Aviation Administration rules and has developed safety, training, operating and privacy procedures “to make sure the unmanned aircraft are flown with the highest regard for the safety of the public and crews.”

Tampering with or damaging drone equipment or interfering with drone operations could be subject to federal enforcement or citing.