Multiple outlets report that Hawaii’s full congressional delegation has sent a joint letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy demanding the reinstatement of direct home mail delivery to rebuilt Lahaina properties. The delegation objects to USPS classifying reconstructed homes as ‘new developments,’ which would route residents to centralized community mailboxes rather than restoring pre-fire delivery. Lawmakers are also pushing back against the potential permanent closure of the Downtown Lahaina Post Office.
- U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Ed Case signed the joint letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
- USPS policy currently classifies rebuilt Lahaina properties as ‘new developments,’ meaning returning residents would receive mail at centralized community mailboxes instead of their homes
- The delegation argues residents are returning to the same addresses and delivery points that existed before the fire, not moving into new subdivisions
- The Downtown Lahaina Post Office has been under emergency suspension since the August 2023 wildfires, and USPS has not renewed its lease or secured a new location
- Lawmakers demand disclosure of records explaining why home delivery was cut before replacement infrastructure was in place (Hawaii Public Radio)
- The delegation is requesting temporary mail-access arrangements for affected residents at no additional cost while permanent service is established (Hawaii News Now)
- Lawmakers are calling for in-person public meetings with Lahaina residents and businesses before USPS finalizes any permanent changes to mail service
Sources
- Hawaii Public Radio: Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation urges home mail delivery for Lahaina
- Hawaii News Now: Hawaii delegation urges USPS to restore direct mail delivery in Lahaina
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