The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College (UHMC) Kahului campus was shuttered on October 28, 2025, due to a significant power outage, as reported by Maui Now. With all in-person classes canceled and employees encouraged to work remotely, the outage underscores the critical role of a stable power supply in supporting education and daily operations. The closure serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of essential services to infrastructure failures, a crucial concern for businesses and residents alike.
This incident potentially impacts local businesses that rely on student and faculty foot traffic. Many establishments situated near the campus, such as restaurants, cafes, and shops, could experience a downturn in business during the closure. The disruption also affects students who may rely on campus resources, such as libraries and computer labs, for their studies. While the college is working to restore power, the incident emphasizes the importance of business continuity planning and the potential financial ramifications of unforeseen events like power outages for entrepreneurs and startup founders on Maui.
This is not an isolated incident; Hawaii has experienced other power-related issues. Hawaii News Now reported a separate outage affecting over 2,000 customers in the Honolulu area in October 2025, further highlighting the need for resilient electrical infrastructure across the islands. These events underscore the urgency for improved infrastructure, especially as the state continues efforts toward sustainability and renewable energy adoption. The availability of a stable energy supply is crucial for economic stability and growth on Maui and throughout Hawaii.
Looking back, University of Hawaii System also keeps its community informed during emergencies. Such initiatives are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and faculty when these issues occur. The events also bring to light the need for businesses and the education sector to have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the effects of power outages, including backup power systems. The closure of UHMC serves as a practical lesson in resilience and preparedness for businesses and organizations operating in Hawaii’s unique environment. Further, UH Maui College has on past occasion been subject to closures due to weather and other emergencies, an important facet of planning for the university.
The long-term impact on Maui's economy may be minimal but highlights the dependency of local businesses and residents on a stable power grid. Such events can give rise to new investment opportunities as businesses begin to look at more reliable power sources and backup systems to protect their vital operations.
