MEDIA RELEASE (Updated 7:30 p.m. Wednesday)

Hawaii Electric Light Company has announced that at 3:53 p.m. Wednesday, approximately 20,095 customers in Waikoloa, Kailua, Kaloko, Captain Cook, Kuakini, Waiakea Uka and Lower Puna areas experienced a power interruption when a HELCO transmission line tripped open unexpectedly and subsequently Puna Geothermal Venture tripped offline.

Other HELCO generating units in reserve were immediately started and service to all affected areas was restored by 4:08 p.m.

The exact cause of the HELCO transmission line trip still is being investigated.

HELCO apologizes for any disruption this may have caused.

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HAWAII COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE MEDIA RELEASE

Puna Geothermal Venture reports its facility tripped offline this afternoon and experienced a steam release through its Emergency Steam Release System. The plant is in the process of restoring normal operation and no steam is being released at this time.

While there is no danger to the public, some residents have reported the presence of hydrogen sulfide odor.

PGV personnel continue to monitor the area around the facility and Fire Department personnel are also conducting monitoring in the community.

The Department of Parks and Recreation has opened the Pahoa Community Center for residents who prefer to remain outside the area.