Fledgling company
taking wing, statewide

ShipToHawaii initially offered service only on Oahu -- through an agreement with Lynden Air Freight -- when it was established in December.

Business has taken off.

More than 400 individuals and businesses have paid membership dues to save on shipping from the mainland since then.

Founder Andrew Riehemann has expanded the service to Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai and the Big Island.

"We are very proud to extend our services to the outer islands," he said.

"Shipping costs are even more expensive there ... so we felt it was imperative to extend our reach beyond Oahu."

Neighbor island residents will have an advantage over Oahuans, as their parcels will be delivered directly to home or office by the U.S. Postal Service. Oahu-folk pick up their own parcels from Lynden's warehouse near Honolulu Airport.

ShipToHawaii was founded by Riehemann, a computer engineer, home remodeler and online shopper, because he was frustrated over inequitable treatment. Mainland states often get free shipping of online purchases, but not Hawaii.

ShipToHawaii members order goods and have them shipped to a Lynden Air Freight warehouse in Arizona. Orders are consolidated and then shipped to Hawaii at rates starting from $1.12 a pound.

Riehemann's intent is to save customers between 30 and 70 percent on fees charged by well-known shipping companies.

Membership costs $20 for individuals who can ship up to 600 pounds a year; $75 a year for small businesses or hobbyists who can ship up to 1,200 pounds a year; and $150 a year with no annual weight limit for large businesses.