Hawaiian Electric makes use of drones to inspect power lines on Hawai‘i Island

Hawaiian Electric is using unmanned aircraft, or drones, for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure in identified wildfire risk areas on Hawai‘i Island, Maui County and O‘ahu.

This is part of the power company’s ongoing efforts in wildfire safety strategy. The drones 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, according to a press release from the company Monday.

On Hawai‘i Island, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Osmose to conduct drone inspections, alongside the company’s staff. Inspections typically will be conducted Mondays through Saturdays, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

If necessary, inspections may occasionally be conducted on Sundays. Personnel will drive Hawaiian Electric or Osmose-marked company vehicles. If on foot, the drone operator will wear a Hawaiian Electric or Osmose company-branded hard hat and vest. All personnel 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 must enter private property, like a yard, to access a utility pole. In these instances, the operator will make their presence known before accessing equipment located on private property. Electric service will not be impacted.

For questions about this work, contact Hawaiian Electric at 808-969-6999 or its contractor Osmose at 808-218-3709 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hawai‘i standard time.

Drones performing scheduled flights in support of utility and infrastructure projects are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Tampering with or damaging drone equipment or interfering with drone operations could be subject to federal enforcement or citation.
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