Lights go out in Hauula, Punaluu, Kaaawa
Equipment trouble caused a power failure for Hawaiian Electric Co. customers in Hauula, Punaluu and Kaaawa for several hours Friday afternoon.
The trouble occurred in an area substation at about 4:30 p.m., HECO spokeswoman Barbara Heckathorn said. Some customers experienced an outage, and others may have had some flickering of power, while others might not have been affected at all, Heckathorn said.
It was unclear how many homes were without power, but repairs appeared to have been completed by about 6:30 p.m., she said.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Hawaii mayor urges shoppers to ‘Buy Local’
HILO » Mayor Billy Kenoi is urging Hawaii County residents to shop locally by declaring December "Think Local, Buy Local" month.
Kenoi said Thursday local businesses have always been the backbone of the county’s economy. He says a renewed focus on Hawaii island-produced goods and on island-owned businesses is good for the economy and community.
In Hilo, residents may use a "Buy Local" button to receive discounts at participating locally owned businesses during the holiday season. Buttons are available for $5 at the Hilo Information Center at the Mooheau Bus Station, Palace Theatre, Diabolik Surf & Glass and Basically Books.
Businesses outside Hilo will offer coupons online at ThinkLocalBuyLocal.org.
Pair still sought in Hilo robbery of man, 67
Hawaii County police are again asking for information about an Oct. 28 robbery of a 67-year-old Hilo man in downtown Hilo.
Police said two men accosted him and demanded money at about 8:30 p.m. in downtown Hilo.
One of the men might have been wearing a black jacket.
When the victim told them he had no money, they assaulted him and he fell unconscious.
The victim said that when he regained consciousness, he found his wallet had been removed and thrown on the ground, and the suspects were gone.
Anyone who may have seen the robbery is asked to call police Detective Robert Almeida at 961-2386. Anonymous tipsters may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
