JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hawaii Self Storage has announced the Transition Assistance Program for people experiencing financial difficulties regarding their home. Tony Goulart, operations manager for Hawaii Self Storage, posed yesterday at the Hawaii Self Storage facility in Kaimuki.
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Storage company giving back
The firm is waiving fees for those facing financial hardships tied to their homes
While many Hawaii businesses and residents are struggling in the wake of the layoffs, rising prices and shaky real estate market of this economy,
Hawaii Self Storage has been aggressively expanding. Now, the company is giving back.
HAWAII SELF STORAGE
» Information: To learn more about the Hawaii Self Storage's transition assistance program, call 949-7233 or visit www.hawaiiselfstorage.com. Request letters can be sent to Hawaii Self Storage-Kaimuki, 2909 Waialae Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii, 96826.
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The company has had about a 25 percent increase in business from people who need to store their household belongings due to downsizing or the loss of their homes, said Hawaii Self Storage President Daniel Ho. The company has also seen an increase from small business owners who have been displaced by rising rents or mortgages and need office and warehouse space, he said.
"Self storage for the most part is a sad time. People rent space because they are remodeling, downsizing or experiencing a divorce or death. It's always a tough time," Ho said.
Since Hawaii Self Storage has in part benefited from Oahu's contracted economy, the company has decided to debut a transition assistance program that will provide up to four months of free storage for individuals who are experiencing financial hardship related to their residence.
From the subprime crisis to the closure of Aloha Airlines and Molokai Ranch, to the recent announcements by Maui Land and Pineapple Co. and Kaanapali Beach Club, we're all affected," Ho said. "These events ripple throughout our state, and we want to help people in this time of need."
The company's plan is to provide up to five free lockers monthly at each site, which could be up to 300 lockers a year, said Hawaii Self Storage Marketing Vice President Shaun Salvador. As long as Oahu's economy is in a crunch, Hawaii Self Storage will continue to offer the transition assistance program, Salvador said.
"For some, four months of free storage will be a huge burden off their back while they readjust their living situation," Ho said.
Those interested in applying for the company's transition assistance program must submit a letter and proof of residential financial hardship to Hawaii Self Storage. A board will review requests and fill qualified requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Free lockers are now available in Kaimuki, Pearl City and Salt Lake. In addition, come fall, Hawaii Self Storage will offer free lockers at their new Mililani and Kapolei locations.