County of Hawai‘i

County of Hawai‘i The official page of the County of Hawai‘i - starting with Mayor Kimo Alameda's Administration.

Mayor’s update for July 31, 2026
08/01/2026

Mayor’s update for July 31, 2026

08/01/2026

PSPS watch update as of 12:30 p.m. HST on July 31, 2026: We are monitoring high winds and dry conditions in West Maui, Omaopio and Pulehu in Kahului, and areas of Hawaii Island which may lead to an increased risk of wildfires. At this time, we are in a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) “WATCH” condition, meaning that if weather conditions intensify in the next 24 to 48 hours, we may proactively shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk. During this watch period, customers in these areas are urged to initiate their own emergency plans and prepare for the possibility of extended power outages.

“A watch doesn’t mean we will shut off power, only that we are monitoring it closely in areas at the highest risk for wildfires,” said Jim Alberts, our senior vice president and chief operations officer. “While we hope shutting off power won’t be necessary, we have to take this threat seriously and we urge our customers to be prepared and stay informed.”

Outages that are not related to our PSPS program could still occur due to high winds and other conditions.

For more information and maps, call our PSPS hotline at 1-844-483-8666 toll-free or go to hawaiianelectric.com/PSPS.

WHAT WE'RE DOING:
Our PSPS emergency response plan includes:
• Closely monitoring weather
• Deploying spotters to monitor conditions and look out for any fire risks
• Coordinating with state and county emergency response officials
• Urging customers to prepare for possible power outages with safety as their main focus

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE:
• Check emergency equipment such as flashlights and lanterns (make sure they are operational and buy extra batteries), emergency generators, battery-operated radios and light sticks.
• Have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on weather conditions and possible PSPS outage implementation.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go if an evacuation is ordered. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you to the facility.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics. If an outage occurs, this will prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored.
• Don’t venture out in the dark, because you might not see a downed power line that could be energized and dangerous; avoid standing water and debris.
• If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet or more away from all power lines. Warn others to stay away. For emergency assistance, call 911. For Hawaiian Electric, call our Trouble Line:
• Oahu: 1-855-304-1212
• Hawaii Island: 1-855-304-9191
• Maui County: 1-855-304-8181

STAY INFORMED:
We will provide updates frequently through the news media and the following mobile-friendly resources:
• Our website: hawaiianelectric.com
• Twitter/X: ; ;
• Facebook: facebook.com/HawaiianElectric
• Mobile app: free download available on Apple App and Google Play stores

08/01/2026

Laupāhoehoe Swimming Pool will be closed starting Monday, Aug. 3 for electrical system upgrades. The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks. You may check the closure status by calling the pool at 808-962-6993. Mahalo for your patience during this important maintenance project! 🤙

07/31/2026
07/31/2026

Hawai’i County Parks & Recreation invites swimmers to participate in the 2026 Richardson’s Roughwater Swim, a one-mile open water swim at scenic Richardson Ocean Park!

The annual event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 with check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The event is designed for strong swimmers who can handle the course conditions, which can be rough and include currents and waves. Racers can swim with or without fins; any swimmer wanting to use a snorkel must also register in the “FINS” category. No flotation devices, wet suits or hand gloves/paddles are allowed.

Registration is now open and is mail-in only. Completed registration forms must be postmarked by Wednesday, Aug. 26. Entry forms are available at County pools and on the Aquatics page on the Parks and Recreation website: www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/recreation/aquatics (link in bio).

The registration fee is $35 per swimmer, payable by cash, check, or money order made payable to the County Director of Finance.

For additional information about the event, contact Aquatic Recreation Specialist Alex Flores by phone or text at (808) 339-5491.

SIREN TEST IS MONDAY -- The monthly test of the Hawaii Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System will be Monday, August 3, ...
07/31/2026

SIREN TEST IS MONDAY -- The monthly test of the Hawaii Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System will be Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:45 am. Sirens will sound a steady tone for 1 minute. A coordinated test of radio and TV alerts also will be conducted Monday.

07/31/2026

Civil Defense msg: 07-31-2026 08:13 AM: NWS has issued a Wind Advisory for N and S Kohala, Hamakua, Kau, and Hawaii Island Interior thru Saturday. Exercise caution. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 MPH and gusts up to 50 MPH are expected. Pls prepare and exercise caution. Info @: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/5865229bcba74020992b372ef18b6f17

07/31/2026

Hawaii Island traffic advisory: Our crews will replace a utility pole in North Kona on Hawaii Island on Thursday evening, Aug. 6, 2026. The replacement will require an overnight road closure while the work is being performed.

Mamalahoa Highway, between the Hualalai Road junction and Halelani Road, will be closed from 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, to 6 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. The work is being performed overnight to minimize disruptions to the community.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and drive with caution when approaching the work zone. Flagmen will provide traffic control.

Mahalo for your patience and understanding.

07/31/2026

Civil Defense msg: 07-30-2026 08:33 PM: HPD reports HWY 11 near the 6 MM on the Panaewa Stretch, after the Stainback Highway turn off is closed in the Puna-bound direction due to a Police Traffic Investigation. Pls use Stainback HWY until Police complete their investigation.

For more information, visit https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/5865229bcba74020992b372ef18b6f17

Address

25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI
96720

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