The issue has affected access to everyday services, including voting materials, online purchases and official documents such as census forms. Puna’s population has grown rapidly, increasing by 20,000 people between 2000 and 2020, with the area now estimated to have about 60,000 residents.
Community members have called for improved postal access as existing services struggle to meet local demand. According to U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, USPS reviewed the possibility of expanding services in Puna but decided against creating a new or larger facility.
USPS Says PāHoa Post Office Meets Current and Future Needs
The Postal Service has maintained that its current facilities are enough to serve Puna. According to Tokuda, USPS concluded that the post office in Pāhoa meets its present and projected operational needs and does not plan to establish a new or expanded facility in the community.
“USPS concluded that the post office in Pāhoa meets their present and projected operational needs, and they have no plans to establish a new or expanded facility in the community,” Tokuda said.
She said local residents and officials disagree with that conclusion, pointing to the difficulties faced by people who need reliable access to mail services.
John Hyatt, Communications Officer for the U.S. Postal Service representing Southern California and the Hawaiian Islands, said USPS provides access through the existing network of post offices. According to Hyatt, there are 7,911 P.O. Boxes available across the four small post offices located in Puna.
Residents Use Private Mailboxes and Travel To Collect Deliveries
Most neighborhoods in Puna do not have regular door-to-door mail delivery, forcing many residents to find other ways to receive correspondence. Some pay between $300 and $400 each year for private mailbox services.
Other residents rely on trips to nearby post offices. Malia Everette said she drives 20 minutes to her nearest post office and picks up mail for several people during her visits.
Everette said the lack of easy access to mail created difficulties when her son became the victim of an assault. She described obtaining court documents as a “challenge” because of the situation.
The mailbox shortage has also affected access to other important materials, including voting-related documents and census forms.
USPS Rules Allow Delivery Interruptions Under Specific Conditions
The U.S. Postal Service has rules that allow mail delivery to stop when safety issues or access problems prevent normal service.
According to USPS guidelines, carriers can stop delivery when a mailbox is blocked by obstacles such as snow, debris, vehicles or other large obstructions. Delivery may also be suspended when animals create a threat to postal employees or USPS property, including situations involving loose dogs.
Service can also be interrupted because of hazardous conditions or natural disasters, such as unsafe roads, blocked pathways or other risks affecting postal workers and vehicles. USPS may stop delivery when a mailbox is full or overflowing, leaving a notice informing residents that their mail is being held at a local post office.
The Postal Service also requires addresses receiving mail to have approved and properly maintained mailboxes. Without a mailbox that meets USPS requirements, regular mail delivery cannot take place.
For Puna residents, the debate centers on whether current postal facilities can adequately serve a growing population. USPS maintains that existing locations meet operational requirements, while residents continue to report difficulties accessing mail services.
