KIUC Restores the Majority of North Shore Members Overnight and Achieves More Than 91% Islandwide Restoration

LĪHUʻE, KAUAʻI — Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) and its contractor Premium Construction, along with crews from Hawaiian Electric Company, restored most members in Princeville and some members in Hanalei last night around 11:00 pm. Roughly 3,200 members were re-energized during that operation, bringing the island to more than 91% restoration.

Outage Restoration Update (including North Shore):

Crews continued work today energizing additional customers in communities between Moloaa and Hanalei. Additional customers may be restored throughout the evening in these areas, however we cannot provide information on specific locations or timeframes at this time. 

Personnel also continued planning for necessary repairs to transmission infrastructure that feeds Wainiha and Hā‘ena. Helicopter assistance will be required for this work later this week. In addition to infrastructure repair, significant work remains to clear debris, open accessways, and manage vegetation in the area. The earliest estimated restoration for Wainiha and Hā‘ena is the end of next week. 

KIUC, its contractors, and mutual aid partners will also continue to address a number of small outages remaining in areas between Anahola and Kekaha.

Remaining outage recap (rough estimate: 3,100 members still out):

• Moloaa to Hanalei: 2,000 members out

• Wainiha and Hā‘ena: 500 members out

• Kōke‘e: 100 members out

• Scattered pockets Anahola to Kekaha: 500

Kōke‘e remains without power and a restoration timeline has not been developed for this area. 

We appreciate members’ continued patience. 

Pending Service Orders and Line Extensions: 

KIUC has suspended processing routine service orders and line extensions in order to focus all efforts on Hurricane Lowell restoration efforts, including safety-related service orders. Please refrain from calling to check on the status of your service order or application so that we may remain focused on restoration priorities. Your understanding is appreciated. 

Outage Verifications: 

If your insurance carrier requires verification of an outage due to Hurricane Lowell, please download, fill out, and then submit this form per the instructions on the form. KIUC will process your request as quickly as possible. The request must be submitted by the member of record for your account. Please remember to sign the form before submitting it to KIUC. You may also find this information on KIUC’s website: Hurricane Lowell Information and Resources | Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative

Safety: 

Traffic Advisory: Utility crews are working along the side of the road in an attempt to restore power to members. The public is advised to slow down and use caution when driving in the vicinity of crews working on road shoulders. Please ensure their safety as they work to restore power.

Downed Lines: Members are urged to stay well away from downed power lines and always assume that any downed line is energized. Downed lines and other electrical hazards should be reported to KIUC at 808-246-4300, or emergency authorities such as 911 if there is imminent danger. 

Generator Use: Some members are using gas-powered generators to power their homes and businesses. Please note the following generator safety guidance: Keep generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from entering. Never plug a generator directly into a household outlet; use properly rated extension cords or a professionally installed transfer switch to prevent dangerous back feeding onto utility lines. Keep the generator dry, allow it to cool before refueling, and follow all manufacturer instructions for safe operation.

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