LATEST NEWS

October 16, 2006
Hawaiian Telcom's Network Withstands 6.6 Earthquake
Landline Service Uninterrupted Throughout the islands

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Telcom's core landline network successfully withstood Sunday's 6.6 magnitude earhquake as well as multiple aftershocks and the resulting power outages, the company said today. By early Monday morning, the state's primary communications company was mostly back on commercial power, having maintained vital connectivity throughout the day and night.

"We recognize the critical role that our network plays in the state's response to emergencies," said Mike Ruley, Hawaiian Telcom's Chief Executive Officer. "I'm pleased to report that our network and disaster plans functioned as designed, which allowed us to maintain vital communications services across the state.

"I am also grateful to say that we have had no reports of injury to Hawaiian Telcom employees or family members as a result of yesterday's earthquake," Ruley said.

While the earthquake did cause minor damage to some Hawaiian Telcom buildings in West Hawaii, the company's core network facilities were unscathed, and landline service did not falter. The company's Internet service also continued for those with access to electrical power. When the cell phone batteries gave out and when cell sites faltered, many people turned to the company's statewide network of pay phones to contact family, friends and associates.

Today, the company is busy assisting customers with questions about their personal or business communicaitons equipment. Some equipment, such as telephone systems and fax machines that require electrical power, might need to be unplugged for a few minutes and then plugged back in to restore dial tone. If this does not work, customers can call:

Hawaiian Telcom Repair Service	611	24 by 7
Residential Service-sales & support	643-3456	7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Business Service - sales & support	643-4411	7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday

CORD PHONES SHOULD BE PART OF EMERGENCY PLANNING
Hawaiian Telcom reminds people that a basic corded phone will continue to work even during power outages. The electricity needed for these devices is provided ove the company's network and is supplied during power outages by batteries and generators. Hawaiian Telcom's eight retail stores were busy this morning serving customers who came to purchase corded phones for their emergency supply kits.

"A basic cord phone is inexpensive, but the connection they provide during a crisis is invaluable," Ruley said. "Yesterday demonstrates our sincere commitment to keeping Hawaii connected. It's a responsibility that we take very seriously."

About Hawaiian Telcom
Hawaiian Telcom is the state’s leading telecommunications provider, offering a wide spectrum of telecommunications products and services, which include local and long distance service, high-speed Internet, wireless services, and print directory and Internet directory services.