I saw most of reviews which most people had terrible experiences. But I was lucky to be taken in…read moreearlier despite having an appointment at 9am. They open exactly at 830am. They advise to check in on your phone with confirmation number once outside the door. The worker who helped me said that most times the people don't have current address where the SSN card be can mailed to and correct documents. I got receipt of my application, instructions in case my card doesn't come in 2 weeks, number to call. Card came in within 2 week mark so I can begin my next steps to changing my last name. Much appreciation to the staff for making my first trip to SSA building a successful one.

Just wanted to share my experience…read more 1. Call the local number ahead of time. The 1-800 number is a trap, you wait for over 1 hour on hold, and then they can't help you anyways. The local folks know exactly what can be done (their services have been scaled back because of budget cuts), and if you need an appointment or a walk in is okay. If an appointment, might be ~6 weeks out because of backlog, be prepared. 2. 4 separate people will ask you why you're visiting, be super clear in what you need + if you have an appointment or were told you didn't have to make one. 3. Listen carefully for the numbers being called. Their PA system is super mid, and depending on who is calling the number from what window, it might not be clear. Lol everyone in the waiting room banded together to try discern what's being said. "You got that ticket number?" "Think it was this, who caught the window number?" 4. The employees are short staffed, but very empathetic + helpful. You just have to work together with them, have your id + documents ready for when it's your turn and they ask for stuff. Thanks to the guy that helped me (think AF vet?), got what I needed to file taxes for my mom who recently passed.

Had a great experience at the USICS office, trying to change my wife's immigration status to…read morepermanent resident. It is located in the Waterfront Plaza, which is mostly occupied by HPU facilities. I read so much about how the parking is expensive and they don't provide validation, so I just asked my mom to drop us off. From my experience, if you follow google maps, and you're coming from Waikiki side, it's best to approach Mauka to Makai (Mountain to the Ocean) That way, you can pull on the side in front of a staircase with "Star Advertiser" written on the side of the building. You'll walk through the hallway out to the parking garage. Continue straight and you'll eventually reach the security office/courtyard. There are various small businesses in the plaza, so it's nice to kill some time if you come early, or as others mentioned, buy something to eat so that you can validate your parking. Our interview for permanent resident status change was located on the 5th floor. You'll need to have your I-797 (Interview notice/notice of action), as well as your ID's ready. Going through the security check is much more relaxed than the airport. You'll check in at the desk right next to the security, then wait in the room until you are called. After almost two years from the start of the K1 Fiance Visa, we were finally having her interview. Naturally, we were a little nervous, not knowing what to expect. However, if you're looking at the Honolulu's USICS office's Yelp because you are also a little worried about your interview, my advice is to just relax. When an interviewer came to the waiting room to call each couple in, they were all friendly and welcoming. My wife isn't fluent in English, but the immigration officer spoke in a way that she could understand. We were even thinking about possibly hiring an interpreter just in case, because the I797 said we can have an interpreter available by phone. However, we took a chance, and not only was my wife able to complete the interview without one, but the officer even said they would be able to call one if needed. So please don't waste money on a third party company! Of course, this was in February 2022, so you can call the office just to be sure when it is time for your interview. As for the interview questions, we pretty much just went over the I-485 form to confirm that everything is accurate, and add anything that may have changed, such as a newly acquired SSN. Hardest part was the 80 questions portion of the application, where they have to ask your spouse if you are a terrorist or plan to harm the USA lol. As for my turn, I was just asked simple relationship questions, such as: When did you get engaged? Have you met each others' families? What do you think about her parents? What do they think about you? Where/how did you first meet? What was your last argument about? We didn't hire an attorney and I'm glad we didn't. I understand everyone's situation is different, but in this case, we would have wasted the money. We got approved at the end of the interview and the conditional Green Card will arrive in the mail 2-4 weeks later. After 3 months, you'll apply to remove the conditional status in order to get your 10 year Green Card. If you're reading this and have any questions, send me a message and I'd be happy to answer any questions. Otherwise, relax and good luck on your interview!

My biometrics appointment went well and fast people there were nice and accomodating…read moreI think it only took me 10 mins to finish

What a farce. Do not go here super sketch.. seriously. Apparently there are two precheck websites…read moreone where you choose your time and another where they assign you a time. In this case bfs forced assigned time was Saturday at 820 and I'm thinking no government works on a Saturday this must be a scam..but it said they open at 830 on Saturdays on yelp it kinda looked legit. Anyway when I drop him off the doors are locked and there are a bunch of people some from Ewa beach that are here for the same thing. At 9 am the door to the building is still locked while people are still lining up others left in disgust. I asked a lady who was going into the building if tsa is even located in there she said there's a sign on the door you can call. Then she looked and said nope they took it down. Mind you this is a real location, but the one on richards st (1 block away) is way better, I was in and out in 15. There are also locations in Office Depot/max. Some guy in line said he came last week and after two hours they told him computers slow come back next week, only to stand in line to an unopened building. One guy had the phone number to the office and no one answered. It's now Monday and I wonder how long did they wait only to have to go back home. What could they do better? Not make Saturday appointments if the office is closed. If they are open but no one is showing let the hoard of people know versus letting them wait outside for hours. Communicate if computers slow after 15 minutes tell everyone it's up to them if they want to stay but it's slow. Check if the first website that turns up is legit or if there's a glitch with doling out Saturday appointments vs choosing, cuz why is it you can choose a time on the second site listing? Something is def amiss.

My wife has a 8:50 appointment. Arrived at 8:30 checked in and still are waiting at 10:12. Will…read moreupdate when she's done.

It's pretty ghetto, and my PD didn't know much about my case, but I got a quick appointment with…read moreminimal wait time. Helpful tip is they are located upstairs of the building.

I had an appointment with C.G. Its located at the Nimitz Center (Ewa Side) on the 2nd floor. It was…read morenot busy at all. My appointment was at 2:00pm and I think I barely made it due to the busy City Bus. Arrived at 1:58pm. The ladies at the reception were nice. You have to fill out a simple application (name, contact info, income info, etc, etc). After I was done, C.G. came out to greet me and we reviewed my case and explained in detail what we can do and what will (can/might) happen. She was very kind, helpful, and caring. Honestly I was terrified until I went over the case with her and was able to sleep after that. She will give you her contact number, court date, and location. Although you can attend the court trial via Zoom, she did mention its better to be in person. If they seem busy, its probably because they are bombarded with a lot misdemeanor cases. Just imagine how much cases they have just from Waikiki due to the "Safe & Sound" bill. Good Luck Everyone.

IRS= Internal Revenue Service, I have mixed feelings with the IRS! We either love them um or don't…read more hehe. Before I go on with my review here's our Taxpayer Bill of Rights: *The Right to Be Informed *The Right to Quality Service *The Right to Challenge the IRS's Position and Be Heard *The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum *The Right to Finality *The Right to Privacy * The Right to Confidentiality *The Right to Retain REpresentation * The Right to A Fair and Just Tax System The reason for my phone call to IRS and my recent appointment with them was that I received mail, made me worried and couldn't sleep. It was confusing and luckily when I called the number, kind gentlemen that assist me was very helpful, he helped me schedule my appointment for the very next day and the earliest time spot. IRS is located at 300 Ala Moana Blvd. ( Federal Building) I know this building well as I visited the other offices here to do business for my momma & daughter now its for ME! Parking is not available in their lot, street parking but my suggestion is to park at restaurant row parking lot or the jury duty lot not knowing how long your visit will take you don't want to leave and feed the meters. You will have to pass security like TSA, the line was long on the day of my visit and the guard only lets in 1-2 at a time. There are 2 security lines, front & back of building, I waited in the long line and my appointment was at 8:30 am. * tip, let the security know your appointment time, he will let you in sooner. This security is more strict than TSA, take out your cell phone, bracelets, watch, keys in pocket. When we got to the IRS office, there was some " Karens" in line confused and grumbling as the office staff that checked me in mentioned "they are short staff and hiring" There were a few customers without appointment, not sure how long the wait is and they only service the ones with appointment first. My advice, best to get an appointment. I received my ticket number 100 and waited patiently for our number to be called. Only one case worker was available to assist during my visit. Why the letter from IRS?! I submitted my tax payment on line via IRS.GOV website on 4.15. 24, shows the payment went through but my mistake and my fault, I had to enter the primary SS number which is my husband -which I entered my SS number. This is the reason for the confusion and the letter. The case worker just knew from the letter and explained it well. For now we will have to wait til they switch payment over from my SS account to the right one via the "Tool", which it will take 4-6 weeks, now I am worried about the fees and penalty that will apply. ( Yikes.!) Lesson learned, from now on I will stick to paying my taxes when we get our taxes filed, I the usual way. I out-smarted myself, actually I wanted to pay via my credit card to earn those SouthWest Points, but chickened out, it was my very first time making a payment on the IRS.GOV. Oh well, now crossing fingers all goes well with the transfer and that I don't get assessed fees! Never mess with the IRS and you cannot win with Uncle Sam. ( I don't want to go on, makes me mad) but I am happy that our Tax dollars, are going to good use.....?!

I went through security and forgot I had my cellphone in my pocket. So I set off the metal…read moredetector. One of the security guards was very hostile. He was telling me that I don't know how to listen. I said I'm sorry I forgot I had something in my pocket. He said didn't I tell you to empty your pockets. He was being very loud and he kept going on and on. So I put my cellphone down and went back through the detector. He then yelled at me to get back over here and that he was not done talking to me. I just wanted to get through security and be on my way to my appointment. But that guy was ridiculous. I made a mistake. And it felt like he really wanted to punish me for it. I held my tongue because I could tell this person had some major control and anger issues. When I exited the building, another security guard stopped us and told us we couldn't exit this way. And then he was like just kidding. I laughed. I asked if he ever works in the front. He said no . I told him he should, he has a good sense of humor . The prick in the front is out to ruin peoples day. And he said a lot of people complain about the old guy in the front. So I guess I'm not the only one. First time I ever had to come to this building. But be prepared! The security is very tight and stricter than TSA. And you better not have anything in your pockets or you will pay!!!

GO ANYWHERE ELSE!!!!! I was coming to this building for finger printing and walked to the back of…read morethe building (my first mistake) i was on the phone with my mother and got yelled at by this man looking to be in his late 40s early 50s for being in the wrong spot. i then walked around the building where a security guard was in which she told me to go to the second level i walked up the stairs and knew this is not where im supposed to be. this same guy who had earlier yelled at me came up and chased me down telling me im not in the wrong spot and that i need to leave right now. i told him it wasnt my fault and that the security lady told me to go upstairs he kept telling me to leave. i ask to use the bathroom and he tells me no. i then am done with my appointment and walking back to the bus and this guy stops me on the street to say that there's robbers everywhere and i needed to look at the maps and find out the right spot. mind you im a 19 year old college kid. very bad way to start the day and very disappointed with the staff here

One of my housemates got food stamps and I was like eff it I should try and apply. I think I make…read moretoo much money, but I'm single and I go to school full-time so I thought why not. I came here a couple times so far parking is good they have their own lot. The first time I came, I came to pick up my app that was around 2pm and the facility looked really packed inside about 20+ people in there. So I suggest coming early if anything. The second time I came to submit my application and schedule an interview or wait for an interview they were all out on an all staff meeting so they were out from the morning until 1pm and they had multiple signs hanging stating so. So I just ended up dropping off my app. The third time I came and it was in the morning around 9am, it wasn't that packed maybe like 6 people, but I think I just got blessed. I did my interview that day as well. They give you a counselor and they look through all your documents you must have: - valid id - either of these 3 types of identification: ss card, passport, birth certificate - filled out application - pay stubs for the past 3 pay periods - bank statements of current bank info - electric/water bills if you have any - letter from your current landlord It was relatively fast and I was in and out within an hour. At the end I waited outside in the waiting area while they issued me a ebt card. I only applied for food stamps but you can also apply for financial assistance, I think that process might be longer. They informed me that in a week or so I should receive a letter in the mail stating if I'm eligible or not for ebt and if I am it will state the amount. Haven't gotten any letter yet, but I am very intrigued to see if I qualify or not. LOL

I been to several different municipalities in the country. I loved C&C of Honolulu after few…read morevacation trips. Me and my partner officially called Honolulu our home as we moved to Waikiki in the turn of the century. We were able to afford a condo in a mid-rise building, then moved to a plantation-style house. Not fancy but sufficient and convenient to the beach and downtown (except met a slumlord). Back then, everything was within reach. I loved the cultures and atmosphere. The only thing we complained the most was the cost of necessities. Well, that was one of the reasons we moved to Texas because we ran out of money. Bottom line is... don't try to live in Honolulu poor. You would need at least a million dollars to live comfortably back then 25 years ago. Not sure how much it is now today.

After dedicating my life to military law enforcement and breaking barriers as the only African…read moreAmerican--and often the first employee--in every company I've worked for, coming back to the US after 24 years was supposed to mean progress. But in Hawaii, I found the same rotten mindset festering beneath the surface. Despite being treated warmly by many locals, I've faced the sting of prejudice from those who should understand us best: black officers who still, shockingly, demean us like slaves or dumbed-down caricatures. I encountered an officer who, completely unaware of my financial acumen, extensive law enforcement experience, and military service, had the nerve to act as if he was the sole guardian of the law. That moment wasn't just a slap in the face--it was a brutal reminder that despite decades of sacrifice and achievement, some of these outdated attitudes are still embedded in our institutions. It's infuriating to realize that after all this time, real change remains painfully out of reach. I'm left questioning where I belong, and the thought of returning to Japan--a place where, at least then, I felt my value was recognized--now seems like a potential path to hope. The fight against this injustice is personal, and it burns with a fury that demands not just acknowledgment, but a radical shift in how we are seen and treated.

Dealing with last minute passport renewal!!! I had to call a number to get an appointment because…read morethere were no appointments available online and my international travel was scheduled to leave in three days. I got the last appointment available this week at 11:30. printed my photo at CVS pre-filled out my application printed that out and also brought printed copies of my flight confirmation and my appointment confirmation. My appointment was at 11:30 but I showed up at 9 AM and was the second person they served. the employee was happy to hear that I was early for my appointment and I got in and out in less than 10 minutes. Will pick up my passport tomorrow afternoon. Every employee I came across was polite and professional. They were fast and efficient 100% recommend and appreciate that we have this option here on the island.

If needing a passport asap this place is the place to go. I'm not to sure how far the date has to…read morebe from renewal or your trip but they'll tell you when you trying to do so.

We move from a different country and within one year we had all types of funny and learning…read moreexperiences!! We had kind of mixed experience from HPD First when we moved we had no idea that hawaii is a place for the homeless. We thought okay this is a very rich country, so there should be no crime!! We are wrong!! Some one stole our notebook, laptop paychecks! Even with the footages of the crime they couldn't do any thing. The detective did not informed us anything later or not gave any update and become a cold case. The good experience with HPD was someone hit our car and run. Although it's not a major accident. They took our case seriously and take necessary steps. Overall a mixed experience. There are so many room for the improvement.

See something???? Don't bother calling HPD. They won't help even if their job is to serve and…read moreprotect or even keep the peace. They will lecture you and tell you to look the other way and walk away. They make you feel like you committed a crime. That's basically what happened. While this cop is lecturing me the guy walked away. The cop said to blame it on the Prosecutor Office. He said he's not doing anything because the Prosecutor office would throw it out, even if a crime was committed. So HPD only want crimes with blood or money, even that is questionalbe, otherwise the cop said he won't waste his time. HPD doesn't need more cops. Mayor B should shoud mind his own.

Appreciate the micro grants for food insecurity program. It may be cumbersome to gain, but offers…read moremany benefits to you, your family, and your community in the years to come. Appreciate the staff who administers the program, from office assistants to the fiscal department to those who actually process the checks. Quite the thankless job sometimes, as many things are out of their control. They are pretty patient, most of the time!!!

All way a pleasure with the Department of Hawaii Animal control, most efficient and friendly…read more with their customers My cat has been flying to and from Maui for 12 years and never a problem Thank you for your help Richard Couch