KIUC Continues Repair and Restoration and Provides North Shore Update

LĪHUʻE, KAUAʻI — Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative was able to restore approximately 2,700 additional customers over the past 24 hours. Outages remain on the north shore, and in portions of Līhu‘e, Kalāheo, Kōloa, Kekaha and Kōke‘e. At the time of this release, approximately 73% of KIUC’s members have been restored, compared to 66% from yesterday’s report.

Latest Activity

Critical Infrastructure Restoration: Līhu‘e Airport and customers on Rice Street in Līhu‘e were restored since the last release. 

North Shore Update: Contract crews began vegetation clearing and repairs to transmission lines that serve the north shore (i.e., all communities north of Moloaa). KIUC personnel, along with crews from Hawaiian Electric Company, are conducting damage assessments on distribution infrastructure. KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell, surveyed damage on the north shore and met with community members in Princeville and Hanalei to share a general roadmap for restoration of the roughly 5,000 accounts served by the north shore transmission line. Bissell estimated that transmission repairs could be complete by the end of next week, with distribution repairs to follow as transmission circuits are deemed safe for energization. If all goes well, the first north shore restorations could begin late next week; however, restorations will occur in phases when distribution circuits are deemed safe for energization. There is no estimate currently for full restoration of the north shore, as damage to utility infrastructure, especially along Powerline Road, is extensive. A more detailed restoration schedule for the north shore will be shared as soon as it is available. KIUC will implement daily communication with customers via the Everbridge notification system to provide updates on restoration efforts and timelines. Members on the north shore are encouraged to update their contact information so they can receive these messages via phone, text and email. To confirm your contact information, please call KIUC at 808-246-4300.

Additional Information

Members who anticipate financial hardship due to Hurricane Lowell are encouraged to inquire about financial assistance programs through Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity and Catholic Charities Kaua‘i. More information is available on KIUC’s website: Payment Assistance | Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative

To help members understand the process of restoring the grid from a catastrophic weather event like Hurricane Lowell, an infographic was posted to KIUC’s website at this link: Restoring Power After a Catastrophic Weather Event | Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative

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