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08-16-2026, 06:47 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-16-2026, 06:48 AM by ironyak.)
Apparently the damages are also impacting local power producers including PGV, so much so that HECO will have to "load shed", or shut off power to connected customers to maintain overall grid stability.
https://www.kitv.com/news/business/tropi...ce630.html
"As Hurricane Lala moves across the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) crews are responding to weather-related outages affecting communities statewide, with more than 88,000 customers impacted.
HECO reported that four of its independent power providers disconnected from the electrical grid on Hawaii Island due to damage from the ongoing storm. As a result of this, HECO stated that it may need to “load shed,” which means the company may temporarily turn off power to customers to maintain system stability and prevent damage to generating units.
The temporary forced outages would only affect HECO customers on Hawaii Island. This is not part of the HECO’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Program.
Two of Hawaii Island’s largest independent power producers, Puna Geothermal Venture and Hamakua Energy Partners, as well as wind energy providers Hawi Renewable Development and Pakini Nui, are also unable to connect to the island’s grid."
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So far, so good. Was able to stay in all day after prepping for the previous four days. Still have solar electric, internet, phone, and like Rob, a new pond, out in the orchard. Hope everyone else made it through relatively OK.
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08-16-2026, 07:14 AM
(This post was last modified: 08-16-2026, 07:15 AM by Punatang.)
Quite a bit of water! We have some banana trees down. The Ecoflow is keeping up with power needs. It will require recharging with the tiny Yamaha generator eventually. Phone service has been solid. Obviously internet is going strong. Another day in paradise. We hope everyone is safe and dry. Tomorrow begins the real work.
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Running on portable generator in lower HPP. Keeps the lights, internet ,tv and fridge going. And a couple of box fans. But Im running out of gas and cant seem to find one open anywhere. Need a gas station that has a generator backup obviously because a lot of hilo is without power. Also heard the traffic lights are not all working. But if comes to it it I can siphon gas from my SUV (its got a full tank). So were doing OK so far.
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You can extend your gasoline on the generator by only running at one out of every 4 to 6 hours. That's enough to keep your fridge and freezer cold without eating up all your gas. We've been doing that since the power went out last night. We have no power and no internet here in central HPP, and this phone connection I'm using right now has been tenuous at times. We are okay and holding on though.
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Also heard the traffic lights are not all working.
Stoplights out:
Shower Dr
Keaau Schools
Keaau Credit Union
Hwy 130 & 11 intersection
Kaloli in HPP is open to Hwy 130, some trees down but not blocking
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08-16-2026, 06:28 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-16-2026, 10:26 PM by ironyak.)
Quick coconut wireless info - HECO linesman apparently said that it may be 24 hours-ish for power restored to Hilo area as with local power producers down most of it has to come from Kona side and transmission lines need some repair. Not sure where that places Puna on the schedule but likely downstream from those repairs.
For those that venture out, noting which gas stations are open may be useful info particularly over the next couple days.
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08-16-2026, 06:43 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-16-2026, 07:56 PM by macuu222.)
Shell station in Hilo on Kinoole is open.. But they don't have ethanol free for running generators.
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We made it through, didn't even have to batten down the hatches in HA. 7kWh solar was down to 25% this morning, definitely conserving, but still not willing to give up our espresso. Hopefully we get a little sun this afternoon!
Very happy to be off-grid mountain folk! Hope you folks in lower Puna stay safe.
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(08-16-2026, 06:43 PM)macuu222 Wrote: Shell station in Hilo on Kinoole is open.. But they don't have ethanol free for running generators.
Maybe I should put this in the price of gas column. Before the storm we ran a vehicle to empty and filled it with ethanol free at Woodland Center in Pahoa. It was $6.11 per gallon! Hopefully we never need to siphon it out for he generator but if we do, we're prepared with two weeks of generator gas - much more if we are sparsam (for you Chunkster). Couple a little generator with a solar battery like an Ecoflow, and you can run fridges, freezers, internet, espresso machine, digital weight dosing grinder (for you Random), charge things for neighbors, what have you, without a hiccup.
Check on your neighbors! Let the aloha flow. It all comes back to you.
