Rats, Structural Concerns Close Maunaloa Post Office Temporarily

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Several weeks after a week-long closure of the Ho’olehua Post Office due to structural concerns, the Maunaloa Post Office is now closed because of “vector control concerns,” according to the U.S. Postal Service — in this case, rats — and poor building condition.

Duke Gonzales, a Honolulu spokesperson for the USPS, said the closure last Wednesday, Feb. 24, was “prompted by customer and employee concerns about the state of the facility.”

“…We are attempting to resolve our concerns with the facility landlord and will reopen as soon as those concerns are addressed,” he said.

There is currently no timeline for reopening.

In the meantime, the 240 box holders in Maunaloa are asked to pick up their mail at the back door of the Ho’olehua Post Office, which is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m.

West end resident Edie Anderson said postal workers are “doing a wonderful job in terrible circumstances.”

“This is a terrible situation for all of us who live out where mail is not delivered,” said Anderson. “…The building is old and should have been condemned long ago…. The employees deserve better as do residents no matter whether they live in Maunaloa or all over the West End.”

Fellow West end resident Erin Peyton reported rats have eaten through many packages.

“Maunaloa Post Office has had a rat and moisture problem for months,” said Peyton, via email. “The rats have chewed through the electrical wires. The Postal workers are at a health risk and are having to work after their shift at another location to enter electronic data. The facility does not have adequate space to store all the mail and package.”

The persistent presence of rodents in a postal facility isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign of a larger systemic issue. When pests are allowed to multiply unchecked, they don’t just gnaw on packages; they compromise critical infrastructure and introduce serious health risks. Wiring damage, contamination, and structural issues often follow in their wake, and when moisture is also in the mix, it becomes a breeding ground for more than just rats. Left untreated, this kind of infestation can grind operations to a halt.

This is where professional pest mitigation becomes crucial. Reach Out Wildlife Removal services aren’t limited to raccoons and squirrels in the attic—they’re trained to handle the full spectrum of unwelcome visitors, including rats that have settled into commercial spaces. They assess the property, identify entry points, and create a long-term prevention strategy. It’s not just about setting a few traps; it’s about restoring a safe, functional environment where people can do their jobs without dodging rodents.

Beyond the obvious damage, an infestation sends the wrong message to the community. Public buildings, especially those serving essential roles, must hold to a higher standard of cleanliness and safety. Investing in expert pest control is not just maintenance—it’s a responsibility. Swift, professional action ensures these facilities remain open, dependable, and above all, safe for both workers and the public they serve.

In an attempt to improve the situation for both employees and customers, Peyton and others filed claims with the USPS.

“I have been trying to support the postmistress since December and getting no results,” continued Peyton. “Folks on the west end were asked to submit claims with the USPS but the website was down. The USPS rep was aware and recommended we kept trying.”

Gonzales said the decision to temporarily close the facility was made on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Peyton said other locations are reportedly being looked at to house the post office, and extermination services are being brought in from off island, but the USPS wouldn’t confirm that information.

Peyton said Maunaloa Post Office not only services the 240 box holders reported by the USPS but also more than 450 condo units that share post office boxes, leading to overflow problems in the post office building.

Gonzales said back in 2012, the Maunaloa Post Office was reviewed for potential closure, due to its small size.

“There are no discussions about proceeding with that possibility at this time,” he said.