Hawaii faces months of power outages after storm damages grid

Hawaii is facing significant power outages in the aftermath of Storm Lala, which has caused extensive damage to the state's electrical grid. Over 80,000 homes and businesses are still without power, with some customers potentially enduring months without service. Assessments have revealed "major damage to infrastructure in remote areas" on the Big Island and Maui.

Hawaiian Electric Industries reported that repair crews have begun working on transmission lines, but restoration could take weeks or even months. Three major transmission lines on the Big Island have already been repaired as of early Monday morning. Across the Big Island and O'ahu, the two most populated islands, 25 transmission lines are currently out of service.

Additionally, a water treatment plant was affected, resulting in the discharge of about 717,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater along the Sandy Beach shoreline. The wastewater discharge has since ceased, but the company has warned the public to avoid contact with the water until further notice. The storm also impacted the Hawaii police department's 911 emergency service, directing residents to alternate numbers for police, fire, and ambulance services.

Storm Lala brought heavy rainfall to various parts of Hawaii, causing damage to power lines, roads, and bridges. On the Big Island, Laupahoehoe received 43.54 inches of rain from Friday through Sunday morning, while other locations received over three feet of rain.