By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin
Winds cut power to 1,500 customers today. Workers
were on Hakimo Road in Waianae fixing this utility pole.

---

Gusty winds
wreak havoc
across islands

A high-wind warning is in effect
as gusts could reach 70 mph in
valleys and in higher elevations

By Jaymes K. Song
Star-Bulletin

A high-wind warning has been issued for the state today after gusts toppled utility poles, tossed debris in roadways, canceled a surf tournament and left Nanakuli students in the dark.

The National Weather Service reported that the highest gusts reached 58 mph this morning near Maalaea, Maui, north of Kihei.

The area typically records high winds because it is located in between mountains, which creates a wind-tunnel effect, said Bob Matsuda, the meteorologist in charge at the weather service.

On Oahu's North Shore and Leeward Coast, winds were blowing at about 40 mph this morning with peak gusts at 50 mph, said lead forecaster Bob Farrell.

Winds of the same speed were expected today in Pearl City and Aiea, Farrell said.

According to the lifeguard station on the North Shore, the Triple Crown's Rip Curl World Cup of Surfing was canceled because of strong winds.

Winds knocked out power to about 2,100 customers on the Leeward Coast, including Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, said Hawaiian Electric Co. spokesman Fred Kobashikawa.

Three utility poles near Hakimo and Paakea roads were knocked down by the winds at 5:02 a.m.

A 12,000-volt electric line also fell near Farrington Highway.

Power was restored to the school and about 1,900 customers by 8:50 a.m.

Workers at the school were unable to cook and serve breakfast this morning, and students sat in the dark for two classes, officials said.

The National Weather Service forecast possible 60- to 70-mph wind gusts in valleys across the state and in higher elevations.

"It's a very dangerous wind situation," said Farrell, adding that he hasn't witnessed winds so strong since 1995. "High winds like this are fairly rare for the islands. It only comes around once in a while."

The blustery winds, caused by an unusually strong high-pressure system about 1,100 miles north of the islands, are expected to last through the weekend.

Honolulu Police and Fire Department officials reported no major problems caused by the winds as of midmorning.

However, they advised motorists to use caution and be extra-patient in the wet and windy weather.

HECO warned people to stay away from any downed line and to call HECO immediately at 548-7961.

Winds of up to 50 mph caused an electrical outage for eight seconds in West Maui, affecting some 5,000 homes from Kaanapali to Napili, said Maui Electric official Arthur Takabayashi.

Takabayashi said there had been no major power interruptions on Molokai, Lanai and Maui in the early morning hours during the high winds.

"We've been extremely lucky," he said.

Kauai Electric spokeswoman Jenny Fujita said there were minor power problems in isolated areas throughout that island last night, but nothing widespread.

Police in Hilo and Kona reported no wind damage on the Big Island overnight or this morning.