Hawaiian Electric has lifted its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch for Maui and Hawaii Island, as wildfire weather conditions have improved. The utility had previously warned of potential power shutoffs due to strong winds and dry conditions, particularly in areas such as Maui’s Westside, Maalaea, Upcountry, parts of Puunene, Pulehu, Omaopio, and South Kohala on Hawaii Island. However, no shutoffs were initiated, and customers in these regions were advised to prepare for possible extended outages. The National Weather Service had issued a wind advisory for Maui County and Hawaii Island, forecasting peak wind gusts and dropping humidity during specific periods. Hawaiian Electric monitors weather stations and cameras near its equipment, triggering shutoffs when conditions include persistent drought, wind gusts of 45 mph or higher, and relative humidity below 45%. With the easing of these conditions, the PSPS watch has been lifted. (kwxx.com)
