The US Postal Service is an independent agency within the Executive Branch of the US government,…read morebut it is not a traditional federal agency that was established by Congress in 1970. Its funding is from. postage sales, not taxes. It provides mail collection and delivery to every address, sells stamps and supplies, government services such as passport application processing and handling election mail, Informed Delivery (that e-mails of scanned envelopes that let individuals know before their mail arrives).
Serving the HI Kai community of about 30,000+ residents since the 1960's when the community was built, the HI Kai US Post Office is a standard retail post office that serves the zip code 96825. In addition to the services provided above, it also offers P.O. Box services, a self-service kiosk available 24/7, money orders, and sale of greeting cards.
As I have used this post office since the 1980's, I have gotten to know the staff behind the front desk serving the public, such as when I had to buy stamps, mail parcels, or had any questions about mail service. Familiar faces always brought smiles to both sides, and staff went out of their way to provide the detailed answers, as they worked as a team; it was like family. However, they have all since retired and now, new staff are in place, and the customer service is very different. The new staff lack the in-depth experience in providing detailed knowledgeable answers and are regimented in their work. For example:
* I was looking for a specific postage stamp design, and one employee said she had none and said she could not check with other staff; whereas, prior staff would have easily checked with others to see if they had that specific stamp. I ended up going to the main post office near the airport to get that stamp.
* In sending parcels, sometimes there are differences in mailing costs even if info is obtained online, so however we bring the parcel for flat rate or priority rate, the current staff will take it as how we prepared it; whereas prior staff would suggest to us any savings by sending it a certain way.
The post office interior is somewhat small but stretched out in one line so that you can line up to obtain services with the first available staff. During busy times, such as the Christmas rush, the line extends beyond the entrance and the wait is longer, which is understandable. I love that this post office sells greeting cards; however, they are lined up against the wall, but I wish they were moved into a corner or placed on revolving card displays, as customers lined up for their turn at the front desk can easily look over your shoulder to see what cards you've picked up.
As for our outgoing mail, we do not use our home mail box for the carrier to pick up due to possible theft, and we also do not use the mail collection box just outside of the post office, for that same reason. Instead, we are thankful that we can go into the post office 24/7 and drop off our mail via slots just near the inside 2nd doors to the service desk. Likewise, in that same area, flat rate and priority boxes/envelopes are stacked up, and the self-service kiosk and the P.O. boxes are accessible 24/7.
Hours of operation are Mon to Fri 9a to 4:30p, Sat 9a to 12n, and Sun closed. Located on HI Kai Dr near the HI Kai Shopping Center, it has ample free parking fronting the main entrance and on the left side of the building.
We will continue to use the HI Kai Post Office for our needed services due to convenience that is close to our home and are thankful for that. We are hopeful that over time, staff will gain the knowledge and that we will get to know them on a more personal level as compared to the prior staff.
