Hawaiian Electric to use drones as a wildfire safety tool on Lanai

Hawaiian Electric to use drones as a wildfire safety tool on Lanai

Field operators are scheduled to start on Dec. 2

Release Date: 11/26/2024

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KAHULUI, Nov. 26, 2024 - As part of its ongoing wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric is using unmanned aircrafts, or drones, for aerial inspections within Maui County, Hawaii Island and Oahu to inspect its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas. Drone and field inspections are slated to start on Lanai on Monday, Dec. 2 until Monday, Dec. 23.

The drones and field inspections play a critical role in the inspection process and the technology enables Hawaiian Electric to more quickly identify issues to prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires.

The company E2 has been contracted by Hawaiian Electric, along with the company's own staff, to conduct inspections with drones and typically will work Mondays through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Personnel conducting the inspections drive in Hawaiian Electric, AltSpec or ProEnergy company marked vehicles. If on foot, the drone operator will be wearing Hawaiian Electric, AltSpec or ProEnergy company branded hard hat and vest. All field personnel will carry a Hawaiian Electric contractor or employee identification badge.

The inspections are performed at the poles and power lines and no one will request to enter a home or business. There may be instances where the operator may need to enter private property, like a yard, to access a utility pole. In these instances, the operator will make their presence known before accessing the equipment on private property. Electric service will not be impacted.

For questions about this work, contact Hawaiian Electric at hawaiianelectric.com/customerservice or call the E2 contractor at (559) 515-3840 or (760) 685-3712, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hawaii standard time.

The Hawaiian Electric Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program is in full compliance and protection of all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and has developed safety, training, operating and privacy procedures to make sure the unmanned aircraft are flown with the highest regard for the safety of the public and crews. Drones performing scheduled flights in support of utility and infrastructure projects are regulated by the FAA. Tampering with or damaging drone equipment or interfering with drone operations could be subject to federal enforcement or citing.