Electricity restored to parts of Leilani Estates

Electrical service was restored Friday to parts of Leilani Estates.

During the past two weeks, Hawaii Electric Light Co. crews have worked in Leilani Estates to remove damaged electrical equipment and poles and repair and replace equipment damaged by the Kilauea eruption and seismic activity.

The county Department of Public Works and Civil Defense partnered with HELCO in the assessment of damage, turning off main breakers and clearing the way for crews. Customers provided access for safety assessments, enabling reconnection without delay, according to a statement from HELCO.

“The eruption and seismic activity damaged poles, wires, and other electrical equipment in Leilani Estates,” said HELCO spokeswoman Rhea Lee-Moku. “For the safety of residents, first responders and others in the subdivision, power was de-energized as the eruption progressed, including in the areas identified as mandatory evacuation zones. Now that the mandatory evacuation has been lifted, crews have been able to enter the area to remove damaged equipment and make repairs.”

HELCO asks customers who want electrical service restored to call 969-6999.

On Friday, customers who re-established their service accounts were reconnected. To receive power from HELCO, customer equipment must be in good condition and able to operate safely. In addition, customer equipment must be accessible to crews before reconnection.

Now that power is being restored in parts of Leilani Estates, the community is urged to treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and call HELCO’s trouble line at 969-6666 to report downed or low-hanging power lines.

The company also is working with other utility providers to remove damaged nonelectrical equipment from the subdivision.