Hawaiian Electric suspending bills for 18,000 customers in affected areas

In an investor update, Hawaiian Electric President and CEO Shelee Kimura said: “Hawaiian Electric will continue to be here in full force with hundreds of dedicated employees and partners from Maui, O’ahu, Hawai’i Island, Moloka’i, Lna’i, and beyond. Over the past week, I have been with our teams on Maui that have helped safely restore power to 80% of the customers affected. Among other efforts, we have deployed more than 400 Hawaiian Electric crew members and contractors to Maui. We are: Using a mobile substation at Lahainaluna to help restore power to homes, schools and county facilities; Replacing some of the estimated 400 poles, 300 transformers and other equipment damaged by the fires and high winds and conducting extensive repairs in areas that are safe and accessible; Shipping dozens of vehicles and pieces of specialized equipment from O’ahu and bringing in additional expert personnel and equipment from the continental U.S.; and Suspending bills for approximately 18,000 customers located in the affected areas to ensure that those who have experienced a loss can focus on their well-being and taking care of themselves and their families.”