Thieves lift generators during virus curfew
HONOLULU — Security cameras filmed thieves stealing electric generators from an Oahu equipment rental business during nighttime curfew hours.
The footage showed the theft from Hawaiian Rent-All in Honolulu about 4:30 a.m. Sunday.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell instituted a curfew from 11 p.m.-5 a.m. during Easter weekend to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The curfew was a trial with the possibility of an extension under consideration.
The cameras captured images of a pickup truck in front of the store about 40 minutes before the burglary, said store manager Scott Jung.
When the truck returned, three men with their faces hidden by hoods hit the store’s shatterproof glass window with an ax and stole four generators.
Jung estimated the generators are worth about $4,000.
Maui leads islands in electricity use decrease
WAILUKU, Maui — Hawaii has experienced a significant reduction in the use of electricity because of the coronavirus, with Maui’s use dropping the most among the three largest islands.
Hawaiian Electric said the reduction is linked to a decline in tourism activities, business closures and residents staying home to slow the spread of the virus.
Maui had a 14% decline in average system peak demand, the point of highest energy use, during the week of March 22, the utility said.
On Oahu and Hawaii Island, the decline was by 7%, the company said.
The change came after Gov. David Ige issued a stay-at-home order March 23 and then imposed a quarantine on visitors.