Hawaiian Electric has begun deploying a network of high-definition video cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance situational awareness and early detection of fires in high-risk areas near the company's infrastructure. The public can view live footage from any camera.
Hawaiian Electric recently installed its first camera station in Lahaina, with plans to install a total of 78 stations in high-fire danger areas across the five islands the company serves. Each station will be equipped with two cameras providing a full 360-degree view, and camera footage will be monitored 24/7.
“We continue to take steps to address the increasing wildfire risk throughout our service territory using a variety of technologies and methods,” said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric's executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Installing publicly available, AI-assisted video cameras in high-fire risk areas will enable us, fire agencies and our emergency operations center to identify potential wildfires earlier and respond faster.”
Hawaiian Electric officials say the $14 million project is the latest step in its ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risks associated with its facilities.
Hawaiian Electric signed a five-year contract with California-based ALERTWest, which will install and maintain the camera stations, as well as provide around-the-clock monitoring for potential ignitions with experienced wildfire safety experts. Approximately 50 percent of the project cost will be covered with federal funds allocated under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), estimated at $90 million in grant funding to cover a range of costs associated with Hawaiian Electric's resiliency and wildfire mitigation work. Hawaiian Electric will also realize cost savings by leveraging its existing communications network to provide communications support for the project.
Widely used in fire-prone areas of the Western US, ALERTWest's software platform uses AI to detect smoke and other early signs of fire in real time. ALERTWest has extensive experience working with utilities, including partnerships with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and 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.
The software platform's pan, tilt, and zoom cameras constantly scan their surroundings, completing a 360-degree scan every two minutes. Leveraging AI, the system detects changes from previous images and highlights them on-screen with a red rectangular box. This, combined with 24/7 human verification, helps eliminate false alarms caused by fog or dust. If a suspected fire is detected, staff at the ALERTWest Operations Center review the camera images to ensure there is sufficient visual evidence before notifying Hawaiian Electric and emergency response agencies.
The public can view live footage 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 early 2025.
