Cable Outage Caused by Water Leak

Oceanic Time Warner Cable customers on Molokai were without cable services for about 30 hours last week starting Wednesday evening. The outage was caused by a water leak in the east end building that houses Oceanic’s equipment, according to Norman Santos, vice president of engineering for Oceanic.

The company uses microwave signals to send cable and Internet signals from Lahaina, Maui to Molokai. A small building in east Molokai serves as the hub to receive those transmission signals. Santos said water started dripping into the building last Wednesday evening, March 9, and shorted out the two receivers for video signal. The third receiver for Internet remained operational, and Oceanic Internet did not fail during that time, according to Santos.

“We started scrambling for the parts that evening from Maui,” said Santos. “Someone landed on Molokai at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday… [and] by about 5:30 p.m., [he] got one receiver working.”

That receiver got about 50 analogue channels back on, and it was early morning – around 2 a.m. on Friday – that Santos said full service was restored. He said so far, the replacement equipment is holding up well. Molokai was experiencing high winds during that time, and Santos was unsure whether that could have contributed to the water leak. He added that the building’s roof had been repaired last year and technicians were not sure where the water had come in.

“We are in the process of ordering new equipment as back up that would stay on Molokai,” said Santos, acknowledging that Oceanic is looking to improve Molokai’s service.

“We’re looking at different ways to serve Molokai – microwave is old technology. We haven’t been happy with how we’re serving the island from a video standpoint,” he said, adding that the company is looking to lease fiber optic cable in the future.

Though many Molokai customers expressed frustration about the outage and some even said they would look into other service providers because of it, Molokai customer service representative Liz Lum said she is grateful for Molokai residents showing so much patience.

Incidents like this underline how destructive a water leak can be, reaching far beyond shorted circuits and disrupted signals. When moisture seeps into a structure, it can weaken roofs, damage walls, compromise insulation, and invite mold long before the full extent of the problem is visible. In the middle of such situations, a professional water damage restoration service becomes essential, not only to dry out affected areas but to assess structural risks and prevent long-term deterioration. Addressing water intrusion quickly and thoroughly helps protect both critical equipment and the property itself, turning what could become a lingering hazard into a manageable repair.

Roof leak repair often becomes the next urgent step once the immediate effects of water intrusion are under control. Even a small breach overhead can continue feeding hidden moisture into ceilings and support beams, quietly undoing earlier cleanup efforts.

Experienced technicians know how to identify the common roof leak points that tend to escape notice, from flashing around vents and chimneys to aging shingles and weakened seals along gutters. By targeting these vulnerable areas with precision, repair teams restore the barrier that keeps weather outside where it belongs. Prompt attention to the roof not only preserves the structural integrity of the building but also brings reassurance to occupants who depend on a reliable, protected space every day.

Addressing roof vulnerabilities is only one part of a comprehensive approach to managing water around a home, as proper drainage plays an equally critical role in preventing recurring damage. Once repairs are completed overhead, attention often shifts to how rainwater is directed away from the structure, ensuring that runoff does not accumulate near foundations, siding, or entry points. Poorly functioning gutters can quickly undermine even the most thorough roof repairs, allowing water to overflow or seep into areas that were previously secured.

Maintaining a clear and efficient pathway for water flow helps reinforce the protection achieved through roof work, creating a more resilient barrier against future weather-related issues. This is where a dedicated service like Reel Good Gutters becomes an essential part of ongoing property care, offering solutions that keep drainage systems working reliably throughout changing conditions. From routine cleaning to the installation of guards and repairs to worn components, their approach supports consistent water management while reducing the risk of blockages and overflow.

In the long run, combining attentive roof maintenance with dependable gutter care provides a balanced system that protects the home and preserves its structural integrity through every season.

“Even when we do experience something like this, I get awesome support and appreciation from them,” she said.

Last week, the Molokai Oceanic office offered rebates on 24 hours of service to compensate customers for the outage only on a request-based basis. Santos said he will be discussing the issue with fellow officials this week and he expects Molokai customers will receive an automatic credit on their account as a result.