Hilo Information Update for December 28th, 2019

Fallen tree and power lines in Kaumana lead to the temporary closure of Waianuenue Avenue near Hilo Medical Center and to power outages around the Downtown Hilo area Saturday evening (December 28th).

The Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) reports large tree had fallen across Waianuenue Avenue near Rainbow Drive in Kaumana and taken down a power line that is currently the cause of the outage for customers around the Downtown Hilo area.

As of 7:00 pm, approximately 1080 were without power and a troubleshooter was en-route to the scene to begin repairs and assist the Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Department of Public Works (DPW) crews with the removal of the tree.

The Hawaii Police Department (HPD) reports Waianuenue Avenue between Rainbow Drive and Hilo Medical Center was closed to all traffic as HFD, DPW, and HELCO crews began tree removal and repairs. Traffic was being detoured using Rainbow Drive around the work area.

Due to the power outage, some traffic lights and street lights around the Downtown Hilo area were reported to be out and HPD officers were directing traffic at major intersections to help with the backlog in traffic.

Details are slowly coming in and will provide an update as it becomes available.