Copper thieves struck over the weekend severing fiber-optic cables in Kalihi that blacked out 24 traffic cameras servicing Kalihi and Kaneohe.

The cameras were not damaged, but without the fiber-optic cables the signal does not reach the Traffic Management Center and the public.

Knocked out of service were the cables servicing the airport viaduct east- and west-bound, on Fort Weaver Road, and all 18 cameras in Kaneohe.

The city Department of Transportation Services estimates that it will take 30 days to replace and repair the damaged cables at a cost of more than $10,000. The department is also looking into the feasibility of a temporary fix to get the cameras back online sooner.

The conduits carrying the cables are under the Middle Street bridge at Kamehameha Highway, and under H-1 freeway near Middle Street.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the Honolulu Police Department.