Hawaiian Electric is using drones for aerial inspections of its electrical infrastructure on Molokai.

According to the power provider, the drones are helping Hawaiian Electric to identify issues more quickly and prevent or lessen the risk of wildfires. The aerial inspections are expected to continue through May.

On Molokai, Hawaiian Electric has contracted with Cyberhawk to conduct drone inspections alongside the company’s staff.

Inspections typically will be conducted between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, weather permitting. Personnel will drive Hawaiian Electric or Hawaiian Electric contractor marked vehicles. If on foot, the drone operator will wear a Cyberhawk company-branded hard hat and vest. All personnel will carry a Hawaiian Electric employee or contractor ID badge.

The inspections are performed at the poles and power lines, and no one will request to enter a home or business. There may be instances where the operator must enter private property, like a yard, to access a utility pole. In these instances, the operator will make their presence known before accessing equipment located on private property. Electric service will not be impacted.

For questions, call Hawaiian Electric at (808) 871-9777 or Cyberhawk at (805) 298-2694.