The Maui News

A metallic balloon that wrapped around overhead power lines along Lower Main Street caused an outage for about 585 customers in the Wailuku area around 6:50 p.m. Sunday.

Hawaiian Electric Co. spokeswoman Shayna Decker said that power was restored by 8:10 p.m. after crews removed the balloon.

Decker added that electric crews tend to see more metallic balloons causing outages during mid-May through June, which coincides with graduation season. Hawaiian Electric offers the following safety tips for these balloons, which have a metallized nylon surface that can conduct electricity:

• Never release metallic balloons into the sky.

• Always attach a small weight to the end of the ribbon or string that holds the helium-filled metallic balloon to keep it from floating away. Ideas include a mug, small stuffed animal or heavy toy.

• Use only non-metallic string and make sure it is tied securely to the balloon at the sealing point.

• Do not remove weights until the balloon has been deflated.

• Properly dispose of metallic balloons; cut them with scissors directly above the knot or sealing point to deflate it and immediately put it in the trash.

• If you see a metallic balloon caught in a power line, do not attempt to climb a utility pole or pull the string to recover it. Leave it alone and call Hawaiian Electric’s Maui County trouble line at 871-7777.

Meanwhile, Lokelani Intermediate School canceled its grab-and-go meal service Monday due to electricity issues.

“We didn’t receive any reports of an outage affecting the school, as this may be an internal electrical issue, so we’re following up to see if it is an issue at the location itself,” Decker said.