Speaking at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, Hawaiian Telcom’s Chief Network Officer Ron Beerman presented a detailed account of the company’s rapid response and long-term recovery efforts following the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The presentation focused on infrastructure resilience, coordination with other operators, and a fiber-first rebuild strategy across Maui.
Beerman noted that despite widespread destruction—including the loss of 3,000 buildings and displacement of 12,000 residents—Hawaiian Telcom’s central office in Lahaina remained intact and fully operational. With winds from Hurricane Dora fueling the fires, field crews lost all external connectivity to the central office. Yet, its core systems, HVAC, and backup power continued functioning.
Within days, Hawaiian Telcom, alongside AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, deployed temporary cell sites and restored wireless backhaul. By August 10, services were restored to 10,000 customers. Within a week, the Maui Police Department and emergency coordination centers were back online. The company also prioritized connectivity for evacuation shelters and Lahainaluna High School to support displaced students.
Beerman highlighted the importance of local teams in response efforts. Employees based in Hawaii led the on-the-ground work, aided by safety briefings and air-quality monitoring. Crews removed damaged copper infrastructure, restored pole-mounted fiber, and laid over 20 miles of new lines. The rebuild will rely exclusively on fiber, with no return to legacy copper.
Key Takeaways:
- Hawaiian Telcom’s Lahaina central office survived and remained fully operational.
- Over 10,000 customers restored within 72 hours; police and emergency services reconnected by day seven.
- 3+ miles of damaged copper removed; 20+ miles of fiber deployed in early recovery phase.
- New builds will follow a fiber-only model, using existing aerial infrastructure.
- Recovery prioritized local crews, safety protocols, and cultural sensitivity.
“We are committed to Maui, and we’re committed to a fiber-first rebuild that strengthens network resilience and supports the community for the long term.”
- In January, Hawaiian Telcom announced a $1.7 billion investment, including $107 million in federal and state funding, to extend its FTTP network statewide by the end of 2026. The network currently reaches over 400,000 homes and businesses, representing 60% of the state, with plans to connect the remaining 40% within the next two years. Recent expansions have been completed on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, with Kauaʻi expected to be fully connected soon, followed by Maui, O‘ahu, and Hawai‘i Island.