The Hawaiian Electric Companies will conduct drone surveys across their five-island territory to identify areas vulnerable to wildfire and determine the best course of action to protect the public, as well as electrical infrastructure.
Drone, or unmanned aircraft system, surveys will be conducted in November and December in East Oʻahu, West Maui and Māʻalaea. Future surveys are being planned for Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island.
These aerial inspections are part of the companies’ proactive assessment and management of vegetation near their electrical infrastructure, especially in drought-prone or dry brush areas.
Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaiʻi Electric Light earlier this year evaluated the wildfire mitigation plans filed by the major utilities in California and studied Hawaiʻi fire ignition maps to determine where the greatest risks are and to provide a basis for planning.
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