Hawaiian Electric’s expanded safety strategy aims to reduce wildfire risk

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaiian Electric unveiled a $450 million plan Monday to reduce the risk of wildfires over the next three years.

The wildfire safety strategy includes technical and infrastructure upgrades such as installing sparkless fuses, changing 213 substation relays, installing 53 weather stations in wildfire-prone areas, and managing vegetation and placing heavy-duty insulation on power lines in the highest-risk areas.

“Our 2025-2027 expanded wildfire safety strategy builds upon our past work and that of many others. It is not just a technical roadmap, it is our shared and steadfast commitment to a safer, more resilient Hawaii,” said Shelee Kimura, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric.

HECO also said they want to add more AI-assisted video cameras in high- and medium-wildfire risk areas.

HECO has already replaced more than 2,000 wooden poles and improved 23 miles of overhead lines, and will begin moving two miles of overhead lines in Lahaina underground.

The utility wants to also create a so-called “watch office” to track wildfire conditions.

“Having this kind of watch office that’s really focused on having the information at the right time, that can make a big difference when you’re talking about hazardous conditions and severe weather,” said HECO Spokesperson Darrin Pai.

HECO confirms Oahu’s west side is one of its fine prone areas and will be among the places it focuses on.

That includes fire mitigation such as removing brush and vegetation from HECO infrastructure.

“I am grateful this is being done,” said Tiana Wilbur with the Waianae Neighborhood Board.

Two years ago, Wilbur took HNN crews to an area in Makaha Valley that residents warned could be the next “Lahaina”.

She’s hoping HECO’s actions might also send a message to private land owners.

“There was a fire last year. It was very concerning because we took you guys to that area and then there was a fire. SO there is still brush in that area,” said Wilbur.

HECO’s safety plan was first created in 2019, but was updated in 2023 in response to the August Maui wildfires.

It says some of its funding comes from existing programs, including a federal grant.

The utility added that it is continuing to refine the program and the long-term cost and scope of work are subject to change.

The Public Utilities Commission is now reviewing the plan.

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