HĀWĪ, Hawaiʻi – Hawaiian Electric has announced a scheduled overnight power outage that will affect several communities in North Kohala later next month. The outage is planned to begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, and is expected to conclude around 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The affected areas will include Hawi, Kapaau, and Halaula, along with customers situated along Kohala Mountain Road from mile markers 6-9 and 11-19. Hawaiian Electric has specified that the Kohala Ranch subdivision will not be impacted by this outage.
According to Hawaiian Electric, this temporary service interruption is necessary to allow personnel to safely conduct maintenance and upgrades. The utility states these efforts are aimed at improving grid reliability, resilience, and wildfire safety. The work is being performed overnight to minimize disruption to customers.
During the outage, motorists should also anticipate partial road closures at various locations on Kohala Mountain Road and Akoni Pule Highway. Flagmen will be present to provide on-site traffic control. Drivers are advised to proceed with caution when approaching and passing through these work zones.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautionary measures. Hawaiian Electric recommends unplugging sensitive electronic equipment before the outage and keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help preserve perishable food. Crucially, individuals who depend on medication or life support equipment requiring electricity are urged to make arrangements for a back-up power supply or transportation to an unaffected facility. Additional information on preparing for power outages is available on the company’s website at hawaiianelectric.com/prepare.
In anticipation of the outage, the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Water Supply (DWS) is recommending that residents store enough water for their overnight needs. The DWS also plans to set up a temporary spigot on a fire hydrant near the Kaauhuhu Transfer Station to provide water for the community’s use during the power interruption.