HECO Installs Weather Stations and AI Cameras to Prevent Wildfires in Hawaii

Image source: National Parks Gallery

Published on April 23, 2025

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)

is installing more than 50 advanced weather stations and nearly 80 AI-powered camera systems on utility poles across the state. The initiative is aimed at improving early fire detection and enhancing weather monitoring capabilities in high-risk areas.

To deliver on this initiative, HECO is working with two specialized California-based partners:

• ALERTWest, in collaboration with UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia team and CAL FIRE, is deploying 78 high-resolution camera stations equipped with artificial intelligence to detect early signs of fire. These dual-camera systems provide 360-degree panoramic views and are monitored in real-time from a dedicated operations center. The system can automatically identify smoke or fire signatures, alerting operators for swift action. Notably, this AI-powered wildfire detection solution was named one of TIME magazine’s best inventions of 2023.

• Western Weather Group is responsible for supplying and maintaining 52 solar-powered weather stations across Maui, Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu, and Moloka‘i. These stations measure temperature, humidity, and wind conditions, supporting critical decision-making processes such as determining the need for public safety power shutoffs.

A dedicated watch office will monitor both the camera and weather data around the clock, using real-time insights to assess grid vulnerability and environmental conditions. This setup enhances HECO’s ability to identify fire threats quickly and take preventative measures.

Moreover, in line with HECO’s commitment to transparency, all data collected from these devices will be publicly accessible, enabling agencies, researchers, and the public to track environmental conditions across the islands.

Beyond monitoring equipment, HECO’s wildfire safety strategy includes significant grid upgrades, such as undergrounding power lines, enhancing vegetation management practices, and implementing improved operational protocols.

The initiative is partially funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which covers about half the cost of the installations. The project is expected to be completed by this summer as part of HECO’s three-year wildfire safety strategy.

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