Hawaiian Electric deploys high resolution video cameras with artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection of wildfires Strategically placed cameras will monitor 24/7 for ignitions
Hawaiian Electric deploys high resolution video cameras
with artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection of wildfires
Strategically placed cameras will monitor 24/7 for ignitions
HONOLULU, July 16, 2024 – Hawaiian Electric has begun deploying a network of highresolution video cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide enhanced
situational awareness and early detection of ignitions in elevated fire risk areas near company
infrastructure. The public will also have access to the live feeds from any of the cameras.
Hawaiian Electric recently installed the first camera station in Lahaina and has plans to deploy a
total of 78 stations in elevated fire risk areas on the five islands served by the company, with
each location having two cameras to provide a full 360-degree view. The camera feeds will be
monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The $14 million project is the latest step in
Hawaiian Electric’s ongoing effort to reduce the risk of wildfires associated with company
equipment.
“We are continuing to take action to address the growing risks from wildfires across our service
territory using a variety of technologies and methods,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior
vice president and chief operations officer. “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.”
Hawaiian Electric signed a five-year contract with California-based ALERTWest. ALERTWest
will install and maintain the camera stations as well as provide around-the-clock monitoring for
potential ignitions by experienced wildfire safety professionals. Approximately 50% of the project
costs will be covered by federal funds allocated under the federal Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (IIJA) estimated at $90 million in grant funding covering various costs related to
Hawaiian Electric’s resiliency and wildfire mitigation work. Hawaiian Electric also will be able to
achieve cost savings by leveraging its existing telecom network to provide communications
support for the project.
ALERTWest’s software platform, which is widely used in fire-prone areas through the Western
U.S., is assisted by AI to detect smoke and other early indications of fire in real-time.
ALERTWest has extensive experience working with utility companies, including partnerships,
with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas &
Electric (SDG&E), as well as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL
FIRE). The AI Solution was recognized as one of TIME magazine’s best inventions of 2023.
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Hawaiian Electric begins
deploying wildfire cameras
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July 16, 2024
The software platform’s pan, tilt, zoom cameras constantly scan their surroundings, completing
one 360-degree sweep every two minutes. Utilizing AI, the system detects changes from
previous images and highlights them with a red rectangular box on the screen. This, coupled
with 24/7 human verification, helps eliminate false alerts caused by mist or dust. If a suspected
ignition is detected, the ALERTWest Operations Center staff reviews the camera imagery to
ensure there is sufficient visual evidence before notifying Hawaiian Electric and emergency
response agencies.
The public will be able to access the live feeds from any of the cameras on the ALERTWest
website at www.alertwest.org. Half of the video camera stations are expected to be operational
by September 2024, with the remainder to be installed in the first half of 2025.
Interviews with Hawaiian Electric and ALERTWest officials, as well as a video of the Lahaina
video camera installation can be found here. Please credit “Hawaiian Electric.”
