22-05-2025
US Postal Service improving security at Windward Oahu branch
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A post office in Windward Oahu is locking up its lobby area during overnight hours. Officials said while they realize some customers will be inconvenienced, it is necessary for safety and security.
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Work is being done to install a new security door at the lobby of the Kaneohe Post Office. A sign says it's due to an increase in unwanted activity.
'Sometimes I come and there are people who are not here for the post office box,' said Trisha Kosasa, postal customer. 'And sometimes they're very nice people and sometimes they're kinda scary. And I might not feel comfortable.'
'I heard it was the homeless people that were kinda taking over the facility and with no security at night what you gonna do,' said Robert Miho, postal customer.
The plan — starting this weekend, the lobby will be secured from 10 at night to five in the morning.
Postal officials said each post office is responsible for assessing its own security needs. They couldn't go into specifics on security measures or similar plans for other branches.
They said it's a fine line of balancing accessibility and servicing all of their customers.'Keep in mind, everybody is a customer of the United States Postal Service,' said Matt Norfleet, US Postal Inspector. 'So certainly homeless people are entitled to get their mail as well as everybody else is entitled to get their mail.'
US postal inspectors and FBI said check fraud crimes doubled from 2021 to 2023, mostly due to thieves stealing mail.
'Yes, that's why I have a PO box instead of having mail delivery because I've actually had letters stolen with checks inside,' said Miho.
Customers said there are positives and negatives for having a secured entryway, but ultimately, they understand the reason – for the safety and security for everyone's packages and everyone who comes here.
'It'll probably be less convenient, but it probably needs to be done,' said Kosasa.
Postal inspectors remind that mail theft is a federal crime and anyone convicted faces up to five years in prison. They also offer a reward.
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'Up to $100,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of someone who's mail theft,' said Norfleet. 'That's a reflection of how seriously we take that crime. So it is absolutely a serious crime.'
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