USPS removes blue collection boxes around Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The U.S. Postal Service is removing blue collection boxes across Oahu, prompting concerns from residents who rely on them.

Removal notices have appeared on boxes in Foster Village, Mapunapuna, and Kapahulu, requiring residents to travel miles to alternative locations.

An elderly woman who uses the Mapunapuna box said she doesn’t want to drive farther to mail items.

She also said she avoids putting outgoing mail in her home mailbox because it could attract thieves.

A man who uses the Mapunapuna box said bank customers also rely on the location for mailing.

Community action saves one box

The Mapunapuna box, located between Central Pacific Bank and Fisher Hawaii, was initially slated for removal but was saved after residents called the number posted on the removal notice.

Residents who want to save a box in their area can call (808) 423-3917.

USPS cites low usage, cost concerns

John Hyatt, a USPS spokesperson, said the removals are “not unique to Hawaii,” and are driven by changing mailing habits.

“The drastic shift in Americans’ mailing habits has modified the need for blue collection boxes and prompted the U.S. Postal Service to be more strategic in where it places boxes and how it services these boxes across the country,” he explained.

Hyatt said the Postal Service generally does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund operations.

“When a collection box consistently receives very small amounts of mail for months on end, it costs the Postal Service money in fuel and work hours for letter carriers to drive to the mailbox and collect the mail,” said Hyatt.

“Removing boxes with consistently very low volumes is simply good for the environment, and good business practice,” he added.

Hyatt said the removals align with USPS transformation and modernization plans to improve service and achieve financial sustainability.

USPS officials declined to say how many boxes have been removed or are planned for removal in Hawaii.

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