Hawaiian Electric Initiates Drone Inspections for Wildfire Prevention

Hawaiian Electric has begun utilizing drone technology to conduct aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in wildfire-prone areas across Hawaii Island. The initiative aims to identify and address potential issues more efficiently, with the goal of preventing or minimizing the risk of wildfires associated with power lines and related equipment.

Collaboration with Cyberhawk

To enhance the effectiveness of these inspections, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Cyberhawk, a company specializing in drone operations. Cyberhawk is working alongside the utility's own staff to carry out the drone inspections. The technology provides detailed visual data on the condition of poles and power lines, enabling faster detection of problems that could pose fire hazards.

Inspection Schedule and Locations

The drone inspections on Hawaii Island are scheduled to begin in mid-October 2026 and will continue through December 2026 in certain areas. Specific regions targeted for these aerial inspections include downtown Hilo, North Hilo, lower Puna, North Kona, North Kohala, and the Saddle Road area. Routine inspections will generally take place on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., depending on weather conditions.

Operational Procedures and Community Safety

During inspection operations, all personnel will be identifiable. Hawaiian Electric and its contractors will use clearly marked vehicles, and on-foot operators will wear Cyberhawk-branded hard hats and vests. Each team member is required to carry official identification as a Hawaiian Electric employee or contractor. The inspections focus solely on utility infrastructure, and operators will not request entry into homes or businesses. In cases where access to a utility pole located on private property is necessary, operators will announce their presence before proceeding. The utility emphasizes that there will be no interruption to electric service while inspections are conducted.

Contact Information for the Public

Hawaiian Electric encourages residents with questions about the drone inspection program or related activities to reach out for more information. Contact Hawaiian Electric at (855) 304-9191 or Cyberhawk at (407) 883-7555 for assistance.

Advancing Infrastructure Monitoring Through Drone Technology

This deployment of Cyberhawk drones is part of Hawaiian Electric's strategy to strengthen its approach to infrastructure monitoring and wildfire prevention. By leveraging drone inspections, the utility aims to enhance the safety and reliability of electrical service on Hawaii Island while addressing the growing concern of wildfires in the region.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com.