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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Don't look for a mail drop in Mililani Mauka
Question: When will the post office put a drop box anywhere in Mililani Mauka? I haven't seen one yet even after six years up here. Residents should have something more secure than their own mailboxes to drop off bills and other mail that identity thieves can easily take from the residential boxes. I think a few along Meheula Parkway or in the residential areas would be a big benefit for the community.
Answer: No collection box is planned for the Mililani Mauka area, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
However, anyone who wants a collection box to be installed in a neighborhood should contact the mail delivery station for the area, said Lynne Moore, Postal Service manager of consumer affairs in Hawaii.
In your case, that would be the Mililani Post Office.
That post office "would know the particulars of delivery" in your area, including volume of mail, population density, etc., Moore said.
The volume of mail that might go into the box, as well as safety, would be major factors.
"If the volume was very low, we would not invest in putting a collection box in that particular site," Moore said. "Even if a customer requested it, there's no guarantee it would be placed close to them."
Also, the collection box would have to be in "a relatively safe area," since there have been problems with vandalism.
Another factor is a community association. If there is one, such as in Mililani, the Postal Service would work with the association in determining a location. "We wouldn't just place it anywhere" without consultation, she said.
Even though you expressed concern about identity theft in leaving mail in your own box for pickup, Moore said the Postal Service considers that an option for customers in determining whether a collection box is needed.
It all comes down to balancing all the factors, just like any other business, she said.
To find phone numbers and hours for local post offices, call (800) 275-8777 (ASK-USPS).
You have to navigate through a menu, but ask for "delivery services," then "post office information," then say your ZIP code.
AUWE
Where have courtesy and common sense gone? Bus riders: Have money or your pass ready when you board; move to the back of the bus; put your bag or package on your lap or under your seat; don't crowd the back door. Car drivers: Be considerate of pedestrians; don't eat, read, brush your teeth or hair, put on makeup or talk on the cell phone. Shoppers: Don't rip open packages -- ask for assistance. -- No Name
MAHALO
To Robert Aki of Kuliouou, who came to the rescue of an 88-year-old and a 78-year old with car trouble on March 29. He even drove to a NAPA Auto Store to buy parts in order to get the car running. The aloha spirit still lives. -- Grateful Couple
Got a question or complaint? Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered. E-mail to
kokualine@starbulletin.com.
See also: Useful phone numbers