2,800 still without phone service

Advertiser Staff

Verizon Hawaii has restored service to about 500 of the 3,300 customers who have been without phone service since the heavy weekend rains.

Verizon spokesman Bill Kula said the repair work involves opening cable sheaths containing 1,300 to 2,000 "pair," which he described as whisper-thin strands of fiber assigned to individual telephone numbers.

More than 88 percent of the customers without service are on O'ahu, and 'Aiea is the area most affected, with 500 customers, according to Kula.

Maui and the Big Island also reported service disruptions, Kula said.