NAWILIWILI — Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will be sending five people and equipment to the Big Island to help with the restoration efforts. KIUC staff will work with Hawaii Electric Light Company customers who are without power in the wake
NAWILIWILI — Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will be sending five people and equipment to the Big Island to help with the restoration efforts.
KIUC staff will work with Hawaii Electric Light Company customers who are without power in the wake of Hurricane Iselle which passed through the island last week.
“We are fortunate the storm did not hit us directly and we are able to help our neighbors,” said David Bissell, KIUC president and CEO, in an email. “I am proud of our employees who have volunteered to assist HELCO in its recovery efforts.”
KIUC construction supervisor Samisoni “Soni” Tupou was finalizing the shipment of two bucket trucks, a digger, and a pickup truck, all laden with supplies, including bottled water and other necessities, at the Young Brothers Nawiliwili Port this week for the delivery.
Wendell Kam, the YB Nawiliwili Port manager, said the crews and equipment will meet up on the Big Island Monday to start work.
Shelley Paik, KIUC community relations officer, said the KIUC crew is comprised of Tupou, working foremen Ken Yamamoto and Chris Acoba, and linemen Kauwila Kanakaole and Fred Laborte.
Paik said in the past, KIUC has sent emergency supplies and employees to help restore power to locations stricken by natural disaster, including to American Samoa in 2009 following the tsunami, and in 2004 following Cyclone Heta.
HELCO is covering the costs for the KIUC crew and equipment.
