HECO plans to mitigate fire risks with AI

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiian Electric has begun deploying high-resolution video cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect wildfires, on Tuesday.

These video cameras will be installed to improve situational awareness and enable early detection of ignitions in elevated areas, according to HECO.

The first camera station was installed in Lahaina. HECO plans to deploy a total of 78 stations in elevated fire-risk areas across the five islands it serves. Each location is intended to have two cameras for a full 360-degree view.

These cameras will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We are continuing to take action to address the growing risks from wildfires across our service

territory using a variety of technologies and methods,” Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior

vice president and chief operations officer said. “Installing publicly viewable AI-assisted video

cameras in elevated fire risk areas will enable the company, fire agencies, and emergency

operations centers the ability to identify potential wildfires early and respond quickly.”

The $14-million project represents the latest step in HECO’s ongoing effort to reduce risk of wildfires associated with electrical company equipment.

HECO has signed a five-year contract with ALERTWest, a California-based company, to install and maintain the stations.

ALERTWest’s software platform is assisted by AI to detect smoke and other early indications of fire in real-time.

Approximately 50 percent of the project costs are covered by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provides an estimated $90 million in grant funding for various costs related to HECO’s wildfire mitigation work.

Half of the video camera stations are expected to operate by September of this year, with the remainder to be installed in 2025.

To access the live feeds from any of the cameras, visit ALERTWest’s website.