KOHALA (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaiian Electric has shut off power in South Kohala due to the threat of wildfires from high winds and dry conditions.

HECO said it initiated its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program and proactively shut off power at around 10 p.m. Wednesday.

The utility said the criteria for determining a shutoff are persistent drought conditions, wind gusts of 45 mph or higher, and relative humidity below 45%.

HECO said it analyzes data from weather stations and cameras near its infrastructure in high-risk areas with potential for fire spread. Wind gusts can be stronger in higher elevations than in residential areas.

No word on how long the shutdown is expected to last.

Click here for more information or call HECO’s PSPS hotline at 1 (844) 483-8666.

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