A midday blackout cut electricity to more than 8,000 Hawaiian Electric customers across East Oahu on Monday, plunging storefronts into darkness and knocking out traffic signals at multiple intersections. The outage began around 12:30 p.m., according to utility reports, and some residents were still without power into the afternoon as neighbors shared photos of darkened streets and shops forced to close while crews got to work.
According to Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaiian Electric estimated that more than 8,000 customers were affected, including roughly 2,500 in the Maunawili and Enchanted Lake area of Kailua, about 3,795 from Āina Haina through Hawaiʻi Kai and Koko Marina, and around 1,790 in Kalama Valley, Koko Head and Portlock. The outlet reported that HECO initially projected restoration between 2 and 3 p.m., while warning that the timing could shift based on access and safety, and local businesses said they scrambled to protect perishables and keep customers in the loop.
HECO Crews Track Transmission-Line Trouble
Per Hawaiian Electric, crews were working to isolate the problem and restore service safely. The utility said the issue appeared to be tied to a transmission line that runs over the Koʻolau Mountains and emphasized that the outage was not related to the Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Crews also reminded residents to stay well clear of any downed or low-hanging wires while repairs continued.
How To Report Outages And Stay Safe
Officials urged customers to report outages and downed lines to HECO’s Oʻahu trouble line at 1-855-304-1212 or through the company’s online outage reporting page, as reported by Honolulu Star-Advertiser. People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment were advised to arrange alternative support or contact emergency services if they faced immediate health risks, and city crews along with police reminded drivers to treat dark intersections as four-way stops and use extra caution in neighborhoods still without power.
