May 29 (Reuters) - Hawaiian Electric said on Wednesday

it was introducing a new initiative that would allow it to

preemptively shut off power in regions deemed to be at

significant risk of wildfires when there are predictions of

strong winds and dry weather.

The enhancement to its wildfire safety strategy will

commence on July 1 and is aimed at minimizing the likelihood of

wildfires, it said in a statement.

Prior to implementing a shutoff, Hawaiian Electric will

inform the community and collaborate with governmental

authorities, emergency responders, and relevant agencies, the

statement added.

Notifications to the public will be sent via press releases,

social media platforms, online outage maps, and updates on its

website.

However, in the event of abrupt weather changes, power

shutoffs may happen with minimal or no advance warning, the

company said.

A shutoff will only be activated in an area if weather data,

including statements from the National Weather Service, indicate

conditions for heightened wildfire risk.