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<br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br />CONTACT: Rhea Lee-Moku, 808.969.0273 <br /> rhea.lee-moku@hawaiielectriclight.com <br /> <br />Hawai‘i Electric Light warns of possible power interruptions <br /> <br />HILO, May 28, 2018 – Hawai‘i Electric Light warns customers that power interruptions are likely <br />if the lava continues to advance toward Highway 132. <br /> <br />The company has been monitoring lava activity and is ready to implement its plans to perform <br />planned switching to reroute power to customers in the lower Puna areas. This work will begin <br />at about 3:00 p.m., Monday, May 28, however may occur sooner if conditions change. During <br />switching operations, customers in the following areas will experience a power interruption for <br />about one hour. <br /> <br /> Leilani Estates <br /> Kamaili Road <br /> Kalapana and surrounding communities including Black Sands Beach, Kalapana <br />Seaview Estates, Kehena Beach, and Puna Beach Palisades <br /> Nanawale Estates and Nanawale Farm Ranch <br /> Tangerine Acres <br /> Pahoa High School <br /> And areas surrounding these subdivisions <br /> <br />The areas in and around Kapoho will experience an extended power outage if lava breaches <br />Highway 132. Power in the Kapoho area will not be restored until we are able to complete a full <br />assessment and implement alternative plans to serve this area once it is safe for company <br />personnel to do so. <br /> <br />“Hawai‘i Electric Light appreciates its customers’ patience and understanding,” said Rhea Lee- <br />Moku, company spokesperson. “The switching work is being completed as a precaution to <br />minimize the duration of power interruptions in the event utility equipment is impacted by lava.” <br /> <br />Lava has damaged and destroyed a lot of utility equipment. Everyone should treat lines, <br />transformers, and other utility equipment as energized even if the equipment is on <br />the ground. Stay away from downed or low-hanging power lines. Assume they are energized <br />and dangerous. If you see someone injured after touching a downed power line, call 9-1-1 for <br />help. <br /> <br />The Hawai‘i Electric Light website https://www.hawaiielectriclight.com/lava also provides the <br />latest information for customers affected by the eruption and for those who may have questions <br /> <br />