Hawaiian Electric Surveys Grid for Hardening in Lahaina Area

Hawaiian Electric is conducting pole staking and site inspections in Lahaina as part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy to harden the transmission lines serving West Maui. The surveys are scheduled to take place between September 28 and October 7, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The work involves crews surveying approximately 40 utility poles along distribution lines in areas above the Lahaina Bypass. The surveys are being performed by Dudek, a contractor hired by Hawaiian Electric.

The inspections are part of Hawaiian Electric’s grid hardening efforts aimed at improving resiliency and reducing wildfire risk in the area. The work includes potential access to private property, such as yards, to reach specific utility poles. During the surveys, temporary wooden stakes or markers may be placed near existing electrical infrastructure.

The utility serves Maui island during severe weather conditions. Hawaiian Electric is performing pole work and relocating poles due to major erosion damages caused by Kona Low storms.