People on Kaua‘i are being urged to think twice before opening the door to anyone claiming they are from the power company. County officials and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) put out a warning on Thursday after reports of individuals showing up at homes, saying they work for KIUC and want to talk about electric bills. The message from both the county and the co-op is simple: verify first, chat later.
The County of Kaua‘i issued a “Member Alert” on its Facebook page, stressing that KIUC does not make surprise visits to homes to discuss billing. The county advised residents to ask for identification from anyone who says they work for or represent the utility, and to call police if the encounter feels threatening, according to County of Kaua‘i Facebook.
What Officials Are Saying
KIUC is reminding members that it does not ask for personal payment information over the phone. If you get a call or an unexpected visit that feels off, the co-op advises you to hang up or step away from the door and instead call 808-246-4300 directly or check your account through SmartHub. KIUC also keeps a dedicated page with tips on how to spot utility scams and report anything suspicious, according to KIUC.
Context On Doorstep Pitches
Door-to-door pitches and hard-sell tactics are not new on the island. Local reporting has documented repeat problems with misleading approaches, including cases in which solar contractors allegedly misrepresented KIUC programs or even suggested people could face shutoffs. That history is part of why officials are again telling residents to slow things down at the door and double-check credentials, per Hawaii News Now.
How To Protect Yourself
If someone comes knocking, ask to see official identification and do not hand over any payment or banking details to an unsolicited visitor. If you feel threatened at any point, call 911. For non-emergencies, residents can reach the Kaua‘i Police Department at (808) 241-1711, with additional contact numbers listed in Kaua‘i Police Department notices.
Anyone who has been approached is encouraged to note as many details as possible, including time, location, physical descriptions, any company names and vehicle information, and then report the encounter to both KIUC and local law enforcement. For verification or to report suspected imposters, call KIUC Member Services at 808-246-4300 or use the resources provided by KIUC.
