Hawaiian Electric Uses Drones to Install Bird Diverters

Hawaiian Electric is using drones to install new bird diverters on power lines across several parts of Maui. As reported by Maui Now, the work takes place from December 1 to December 22 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., weather permitting. Power service will stay normal during the entire operation.

The company selected three regions that are known seabird flyways. These include Kahakuloa, Honomanū, and the Keālia National Wildlife Refuge. The goal is simple. Make the lines easier for birds to see so collisions drop. Drones allow crews to reach remote or hard to access areas with less disturbance to the land and wildlife.

Two species in particular will benefit from the new diverters. The first is the uau, known as the Hawaiian Petrel.

The second is the ao, known as the Newell’s Shearwater. Both species face high risks from bright lights, predators, and power line strikes.

These diverters act like visual markers that break up the outline of the lines. When the birds fly near them at dusk or dawn, the markers stand out and help prevent deadly impacts.

The Hawaiian Petrel is one of Hawaii’s most iconic seabirds. It spends most of its life at sea but returns to the high mountains of Maui and other islands to nest in burrows. The species has declined over the last century due to habitat loss and collisions with manmade structures. The Petrel flies long distances at night, which makes power lines especially dangerous. Any tool that increases visibility along its flight routes provides real support for its survival.

The Newell’s Shearwater faces similar challenges. It nests in remote mountain slopes and travels to the ocean each night to feed. This species is known for its strong flight patterns and long journeys across the Pacific. Young Shearwaters are drawn to artificial lights and can become disoriented. When they fly near power lines during low light hours, they are at risk. Adding diverters helps give these birds a better chance at avoiding unhealthy contact with the grid.

How the Drone Operations Will Work

The drone crews will be easy to identify. Workers from Hawaiʻi Drone Professional will wear branded shirts and vests. They will always be joined by Hawaiian Electric staff. No one will ask to enter a home or business during the operation. The work takes place near the power lines themselves.

There may be rare cases where a drone operator must enter a yard to reach a specific section of line. In these moments, the operator will speak with the resident or make their presence known before stepping onto the property. They will only access the equipment needed for the installation.

Hawaiian Electric says its Unmanned Aerial Systems program meets all FAA requirements. The company maintains strict safety, training, operating, and privacy rules. The drone flights are treated as regulated work supporting utility operations. The company warns that interfering with drones or damaging drone equipment could lead to federal enforcement.

Drones reduce risk for workers by limiting the need to climb structures or use helicopters. They also speed up installations because they can be positioned quickly along the line. For conservation work, drones have become the faster and cleaner option.

A Wider Conservation Effort

The installation project supports larger conservation plans that have been in progress for years. Hawaiian Electric continues to secure permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife. These permits are needed because the Petrel and Shearwater are protected species. The permits allow the company to work near known habitats and migration routes while following wildlife rules.

The utility is also building a long term habitat conservation plan. This plan began in 2022 and will guide how the company reduces future risks to seabirds. It includes monitoring programs, mitigation projects, and continued upgrades to power line safety. Drone based installation of diverters gives Hawaiian Electric an immediate and practical way to start lowering collision rates right now.

DroneXL’s Take

This is another strong example of drones helping both people and wildlife. Maui’s seabirds need support, and drone mounted diverters offer a fast solution that works without shutting off power or sending large teams into fragile areas. Expect to see more utilities adopt similar methods as drones become a core tool for environmental and infrastructure work.

Photo credit: Hawaiian Electric, Brian Sullivan and Jacob Drucker