Hawaiian Electric says it has removed more than 1,400 double poles so far this year and more than 5,000 in total, reaching its 2025 target more than two months ahead of schedule. The utility plans to eliminate over 9,400 double poles across Oʻahu, Maui County and Hawaiʻi island by 2028 as part of a multi‑year program to improve safety, reliability and neighborhood appearance. The work is aimed at reducing hazards tied to aging poles and speeding repairs after storms or high winds.
Company Says Progress Is Ahead Of Schedule
According to Hawaiian Electric, crews have removed more than 1,400 double poles this year and more than 5,000 overall, allowing the company to meet its 2025 removal goal early. The utility described the removals as part of a broader modernization effort that includes undergrounding, pole replacements and coordination with telecommunications providers. Hawaiian Electric noted it owns roughly 168,000 utility poles statewide.
What Is A Double Pole?
A "double pole" forms when a new pole is set and equipment from the older pole — often telecom lines or street‑light gear — has not yet been transferred, leaving two poles standing side‑by‑side. Maui Now notes that many reports of low‑hanging or damaged lines turn out to involve telecommunications equipment rather than energized power lines. That distinction determines which company should be contacted when residents spot a problem.
Who Must Move Equipment — And Why It Takes Time
Hawaiian Electric says it notifies the owners of attached equipment — county and state agencies, Hawaiian Telcom, Charter/Spectrum, Lumen, Servpac and major carriers — to complete transfers so the old pole can be safely removed. The utility's double‑poles page lays out backlog and preventive timelines and points to Docket No. 2018‑0075 at the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. The PUC approved the joint‑pole transfer framework in 2018 and continues to track removal progress.
Why The Push Matters
Clearing double poles reduces hazards, shortens repair times and feeds into broader grid‑hardening investments after the deadly 2023 Maui wildfires. Reuters reported that Hawaiian Electric laid out a wildfire‑safety plan in January that included roughly $450 million in resilience spending for 2025–27. For residents in fire‑prone leeward areas, clearer ownership of attachments can cut the time crews need to isolate risky equipment during high‑wind events.
How To Report Downed Lines Or Telecom Concerns
If you see a downed power line, call 9‑1‑1 if anyone is injured and contact Hawaiian Electric's trouble lines: Oʻahu 1‑855‑304‑1212, Maui County 1‑855‑304‑8181 and Hawaiʻi island 1‑855‑304‑9191. For telecommunications concerns, Maui Now lists Hawaiian Telcom at 808‑643‑3456 or 808‑643‑6111 and Spectrum at 833‑949‑0036. Hawaiian Electric urges people not to touch downed lines and to stay well clear while crews respond.
Work will continue island‑by‑island through 2028, so residents should expect ongoing pole and line activity as crews coordinate transfers with telecom providers. Officials say the program is designed to speed repairs, reduce safety risks and clear longstanding visual clutter along neighborhood streets. We'll track updated removal counts and project timelines as the utility posts them.
