Maui County Warns of Extended Blackouts as Hurricane Nolo Looms

Key points

• Hawaiian Electric projects power outages in West Maui will persist until approximately noon on Monday, September 28.
• A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is in effect in Upcountry Maui due to high winds, dry conditions, and increased wildfire risk.
• Residents are advised to monitor local radio stations such as KPOA, KJKS, and KJMD for emergency updates if cellular service fails.
• Charging stations and Starlink satellite internet are available at the Lahaina Civic Center and the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.
• The Maui Emergency Management Agency is in full activation, urging residents to check on neighbors and elderly family members.

Background

Hawaii has faced a series of severe weather events in recent weeks. In August, Tropical Storm Lala caused widespread power outages affecting over 88,000 customers statewide, with significant damage on Hawaii Island and Maui County. Governor Josh Green issued multiple disaster proclamations in September due to damage from separate storms. The current situation adds to a pattern of extreme weather, including a recent tsunami threat and earthquake, contributing to what local officials describe as 'storm fatigue' and heightened anxiety among residents.

How outlets are covering it

Maui Now emphasizes the immediate logistical challenges for residents, focusing on the duration of the outages and the specific steps required to maintain communication and safety, such as using hand-crank radios and visiting designated charging hubs. NBC News provides a broader regional perspective, highlighting the psychological impact of 'storm fatigue' and 'PTSD' on Hawaiians after back-to-back hurricanes, including Lala, Lowell, and now Nolo. While Maui Now focuses on the local infrastructure strain in West Maui and Upcountry, NBC News notes that Nolo, a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to remain south and southwest of the islands, with a hurricane watch in effect for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The outlets agree on the severity of the situation but differ in scope: Maui Now details the immediate county-level response, while NBC News contextualizes the event within the broader, unusually active Pacific hurricane season.

Why it matters

The prolonged outages and communication disruptions pose significant risks to public safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with medical needs. The active Public Safety Power Shutoff in Upcountry increases the risk of wildfires, which could exacerbate the emergency. The availability of charging stations and satellite internet is critical for maintaining emergency communication and access to essential services. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Hawaii's infrastructure to repeated extreme weather events and the importance of community resilience and preparedness.

What to watch

Hawaiian Electric is expected to continue restoration efforts in West Maui through Monday noon. The Maui Emergency Management Agency will monitor conditions overnight and provide updates as they become available. Residents are advised to stay informed through radio and official social media channels. If Nolo intensifies or shifts course, further emergency measures may be implemented, including additional PSPS actions or evacuation orders. The county will continue to support residents through the crisis, with a focus on ensuring access to emergency services and resources.