Hawaiian Telcom cable cut by would-be thieves

Hawaiian Telcom repair crews spent Friday working to repair a 1,500-pair cable in Moanalua that was damaged late Thursday evening in what is believed to be the latest in a series of copper thefts.

The line was not completely severed, and Hawaiian Telcom officials speculated that the would-be thieves may have been shocked by the high-voltage cables.

The incident occurred at about 11 p.m. in a manhole off a bike path, triggering alarms at the company’s Network Operations Center.

As part of the extensive repair effort, crews had to complete some 6,000 splices in the cable.

About 25 customers reported service interruptions as a result of the damage. Repairs are expected to continue through the weekend.

Hawaiian Telcom has been hit with numerous copper thefts in the last few years. In July and August thieves stole copper wiring from the same area in Kalihi.

Hawaiian Telcom is asking anyone with information about the latest attempted theft to contact police. The company is further asking the public to report any suspicious activity around utility poles, cables or manholes.

Theft of a pound or more of copper is a Class C felony in Hawaii, punishable by up to five years in prison.