Crews upgrade power cables in Nanakuli to address outages
by Shannon Tangonan | May 7, 2025
On a recent drive to a worksite in Nanakuli — where Hawaiian Electric crews and contractors are literally in the trenches replacing underground cables — a crew member said he turned on the radio and the topic of conversation was the latest outage in Nanakuli.
It was ironic, he said, since the crew was on its way to do the very work that will reduce the number of future power outages there.
As a communications specialist, it’s part of my job to monitor outages and at times field calls from local media outlets. Unfortunately, we respond to inquiries about outages in some areas more frequently than others.
Of late, Nanakuli has had more than its fair share of outages. It’s why our company has embarked on a major project to replace direct-buried cables that are at the root of the problem.
Back when Nanakuli was being developed, insulated power cables were directly buried in the ground and not installed in protective ducts or conduits. It was the industry standard at the time. The same technique was used in subdivisions in Mililani and East Oahu, among other areas.
Over time water intrusion, construction damage and other factors wear on the cables, causing faults. And that’s why there have been multiple outages in the area.
I recently drove from my home in Ewa Beach to Mohihi and Kahau streets in Nanakuli where crews were working both under and above ground — and even overhead. Trenches had already been dug and contractors were in the excavated areas installing ducts, working alongside our underground crews pulling cable.
The project — dubbed Surf and Sand Mikilua 3 — began in late February and will continue through early June, said Ed Navarro, Hawaiian Electric construction project manager. Crews and contractors are working their way through the areas served by the Mikilua 3 circuit with about 1,500 customers.
Residents that I chatted with didn’t seem to mind the torn-up sidewalks, traffic impacts and planned outages if it means better service in the long run.
“I’m not a complainer. When it happens, it happens” said Zeny Cunningham, 76, of recent power outages. The Mohihi Street resident said that “whatever improvements they’re doing is good. I just don’t want them to get hurt.”
Stephen Kaopuiki, 72, who lives on Kahau Street, said the outages used to be an issue for him up until about five years ago when he installed a rooftop solar system with backup battery. “Me, I got solar, got battery,” he said, noting his household is no longer affected by the outages. But it’s been troublesome for many others, he said.
We apologize to Nanakuli residents who’ve been inconvenienced by power outages. Let’s face it — outages can be downright frustrating.
But know that our crews and contractors have an action plan that they’re already executing. And their work will improve service reliability for you and your ohana.
Ed Navarro, our construction manager, says the work to replace cables and install ducts is expected to be done by early June. It will likely take longer to restore sidewalks, etc.
Mahalo to all Nanakuli customers for your patience.
Shannon Tangonan is a senior communications specialist at Hawaiian Electric.
