77
The Hawaiian Electric Co. is investigating an early morning electrical fire that occurred in Iwilei.
At about 4 a.m. today, Honolulu firefighters responded to the fire inside a manhole on Alakawa Street near Home Depot. Honolulu Fire Spokesman Capt. David Jenkins said they cordoned the affected area and turned the scene over to Hawaiian Electric Co. by 5:45 a.m.
Light smoke was observed emanating from the manhole.
Fran Mareko, assistant store manager at Home Depot, said sales associates observed flames and smoke emerging from the manhole at about 4:20 a.m.
Police closed a section of Alakawa Street between Best Buy and Home Depot at about 4:30 a.m.
HECO Spokeswoman Shannon Tangonan said a downed power line on Kuwili Street in Iwilei that’s somehow linked to the fire has since been repaired.
A power outage affected about 155 customers on Dillingham Boulevard, Nimitz Highway and Pacific Street at about 4:45 a.m.
Police reopened Alakawa Street near Best Buy just after 7:20 a.m. after a HECO crew completed repairs. Power was restored to all affected customers shortly after 8:35 a.m.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines.
Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.