Parts of the Big Island are experiencing trouble with the Hawaiian Telcom system, prompting Mayor Billy Kenoi to urge the public to go to the nearest fire station, police station or hospital in an emergency.

The system break is affecting telephone services in Pahala, Naalehu, Ocean View and parts of South Kona, Kenoi said in a statement by email.

“The same system break is also affecting the cellular telephone carriers and service in these areas,” he said. “Hawaiian Telcom crews are currently working on identifying the problem and restoring services as soon as possible.”