Real Estate Listing, HECO Public Safety Power Shutoff and Fiji in May

Aloha and welcome.

Real Estate Update

Lot 6 Listing is Live!
1041 Kapukaulua Pl, Paia, HI 96779 View listing here

Unmatched and incomparable. The only brand new home on the market in Maui’s North Shore exclusive neighborhood Spreckelsville. .681 acre lot with construction to be completed summer of 2024. Spanning over 3,300 square feet of interior space and 980 square feet of covered lanai, this residence offers a great blend of indoor-outdoor living. Additionally, the 1800-square-foot garage provides ample space for storing water sport equipment. Highlights of the home are the vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, butler's pantry, open kitchen, massive primary suite, and multiple guest rooms. Private Beach Access. This is the ultimate Maui Ocean Lifestyle Home. The ocean play ground is steps away and with a direct ocean view to keep tabs on conditions and to be able to score when the conditions call.

Please email me directly at shaunlopez@hawaiilife.com if you would like to know more.

Hawaiian Electric Launches Public Safety Power Shutoff Program to Enhance Wildfire Safety

Starting July 1, Hawaiian Electric will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to reduce wildfire risks. The program may involve preemptively shutting off power in high-risk areas during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions, potentially leading to extended outages.

Initial High-Risk Areas:

Oʻahu: Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Nānākuli, Māʻili, Ka‘ena Point
Hawaiʻi Island: North Hawai‘i (Kohala to Waikoloa), West Hawai‘i (Kalaoa to Hōlualoa), Mauna Kea Access Road to Waiki‘i Ranch
Maui County: West Maui, Upcountry, parts of Central and South Maui,(basically island wide!) and central Molokaʻi.

Program Highlights:

Hawaiian Electric will notify the public and coordinate with government officials and emergency responders before activating a PSPS.
Power will remain off during hazardous weather conditions and will be restored after inspections and repairs.
Customers with special medical needs should prepare for possible extended outages and submit their contact information for notifications.

Wildfire Safety Strategy Components:

Current Measures:

Spotters during hazardous weather.
Automatic power shutoffs in risk areas.

Upcoming Enhancements:

Expanded inspections, grid hardening, and vegetation management.
Use of helicopters, drones, infrared, and ground inspection.

Long-Term Goals:

Improved weather forecasting and risk modeling.
Undergrounding power lines and expanding fire-resistant infrastructure.

For more details, visit Hawaiian Electric's wildfire safety page.

Importance of Solar Plus Battery Storage During Power Shutoffs

Solar plus battery storage systems are crucial during PSPS events. These systems provide a reliable, independent power source that can keep homes and businesses operational during extended outages. By storing solar energy generated during the day, batteries ensure a continuous power supply even when the grid is down. This not only enhances energy resilience but also supports critical needs such as refrigeration, lighting, and medical equipment, thereby mitigating the impact of power shutoffs on daily life and safety. Embracing solar plus battery storage is a proactive step towards greater energy independence and security in high-risk wildfire areas.

Reminder: Tesla Powerwall 2 owners can view their system's status off-grid even when internet and cell coverage go down. Check out our Instagram post from the Lahaina fires for more details.

Please let me know if I can help you with your Energy resilience needs with the upcoming rolling blackouts. Please email me at shaun@mauienergy.io or visit our website at mauienergy.io

Personal Update

I recently attended my niece's high school graduation in San Diego. Renting a car and fueling up near the airport was quite an experience, with gas prices over $6 a gallon!

Must-Watch: Patagonia Trash Video

Click to have your mind blown on consumption: Patagonia Trash Video

Surf Report

South swells have been booming with peak winter in the southern hemisphere from the Indian to Pacific Oceans. High pressure is locked into the Tasman sea. During my May trip, I had the pleasure of surf guiding and providing water safety for an amazing crew. The highlight was seeing my friend catch the wave of his life!