UPDATE: Repairs completed earlier than estimated at site of electric fire in Wailuā

Update at 2:34 p.m. Oct. 21, 2025: Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative crews completed repairs at about 1:15 p.m. today — earlier than estimated — at the site of a crossarm and utility pole fire that began earlier today along Kūhiō Highway near North Leho Drive in Wailuā.

Kaua‘i Police Department and Hawai’i Department of Transportation report Kūhiō Highway between North and South Leho Drive is now open in both directions.

This will be the final update.

Update at 1:12 p.m. Oct. 21, 2025: An electrical fault with Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative power lines along Kūhiō Highway near North Leho Drive in Wailuā caused a fire on a crossarm and pole shortly after 6 a.m. the morning of Oct 21.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative and Kaua‘i Fire Department crews responded. The fire was quickly extinguished; however, two poles and associated equipment must now be replaced.

The electricity cooperative estimates all repairs will continue until about 4 p.m. today.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative crews are coordinating with Kaua‘i Police Department to allow flow of traffic around the scene to the greatest extent possible.

Crews estimate pole repairs will be completed as early as 2 p.m.

All Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative members who were without power have been restored, and updated information about repairs will be provided as it becomes available.

The cause of the fault is unknown at this time. We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete the repairs.

The electricity cooperative appreciates the public’s continued patience.

Update, 10 a.m., Oct. 21: Southbound traffic on Kūhiō Highway near Wailua is now open.

Officials with Kaua’i police have also reported that eastbound traffic on the highway remains diverted to Leho Drive.

Work crews from the Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative are on the scene and will replace the poles damaged by the Tuesday morning fire.

The estimated time for repairs is approximately eight hours.

Update, 9 a.m., Oct. 21: Kūhiō Highway remains closed between North and South Leho Drive due to an electrical fault fire. Traffic delays are expected until 4 p.m.

According to the Kaua’i Police Department, eastbound traffic is being diverted onto Leho Drive, while southbound vehicles are being redirected either onto Leho Drive or via the old cane haul access road.

Large, heavy, or low-clearance vehicles are not permitted on the cane haul access road.

Police are assisting with traffic control, but the two damaged poles and related equipment will now require full replacement.

Repairs are expected to continue until approximately 4 p.m.

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative reported in a press release that an early morning electrical fault on Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative lines sparked a fire on a utility pole along Kūhiō Highway near North Leho Drive shortly after 6 a.m.

The fire prompted the closure of the Kūhiō Highway in both directions for public safety near the Hilton Garden Inn in Wailua.

Crews from the Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative and the Kaua‘i Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished the fire, but two damaged poles and related equipment will need to be fully replaced.

Motorists are urged to use caution, obey detour signs, and stay alert near work zones.

The cause of the electrical fault remains under investigation.

Original Post: Due to a utility incident, Kūhiō Highway between North and South Leho Drive in Wailua is closed in both directions until further notice.

According to the Hawai’i Department of Transportation, both eastbound and westbound traffic are being diverted onto Leho Drive until further notice.

Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution and use alternate routes.