Postal Service suggests cutoff dates for Christmas delivery
Postal Service suggests cutoff dates for Christmas delivery
The Postal Service expects to process and deliver approximately 12.7 billion pieces of mail and 470 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Below are the dates that the Postal Service suggests Hawaii residents mail their letters, cards and packages to give them the best chances of reaching their destinations by Christmas.
To U.S. mainland: First-Class and Priority Mail, Dec. 19; Priority Express, Dec. 20
To Hawaii: First-Class and Priority Mail, Dec. 22; Priority Express, Dec. 23
To Guam and Saipan: First-Class and Priority Mail, Dec. 15; Priority Express, Dec. 20
To American Samoa: First-Class and Priority Mail, Dec. 12; Priority Express, Dec. 19
Military APOs and FPOs or international: First-Class and Priority Mail, Dec. 9; Priority Express, Dec. 15
If normal holiday conditions prevail, chances are good that letters and packages sent shortly after the suggested dates will still make it to their destinations before Christmas. Ultimately, uncontrollable factors such as mail volume and weather determine whether deliveries can be made early or on time.
There will be no extended retail hours at the Kailua-Kona and Hilo main post offices. Postal kiosks will allow customers to purchase stamps, print and pay for postage for packages, and conduct other common transactions without the need to stand in line to see a mail clerk.
Or, shippers can skip the trip to the post office during the holidays by printing mailing labels for the packages at usps.com, and notifying the postal service at usps.com/pickup that they’re ready to be picked up. The carrier will be alerted to pick up the packages, usually the next business day. There is no extra charge for this service.
Woodturners meet Saturday
West Hawaii Woodturners, the local chapter of The American Association of Woodturners, is having a meeting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the PacRim tempering building, 73-4260 Hulikoa Drive. A sign will be posted in the street. New members, guests and visitors are welcome at any skill level. Attendees should bring a chair and lunch. For more information, call Jack at 324-6802.
The Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa wants to hear what improvements could be made from its members and stakeholders. The public can attend one of the following focus groups: 9 to 10:30 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m., 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 6. On Dec. 18 focus groups will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. or 4 to 5:30 p.m. Each focus group includes a complimentary meal. RSVP with your name, email, phone number and preferred group date and time to holly@donkeymillartcenter.org.
University of the Nations holds Christmas bazaar
The University of the Nations Kona is hosting a Christmas bazaar from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at its Kuakini Highway campus. The day will be full of performances, free activities for families, as well as a Christmas market with arts, crafts and food for sale. There will also be a petting zoo, movies and a Christmas village and forest. This is a multicultural, nondenominational event and is open to the entire Kona community.
Artisans are invited to contact University of the Nations Kona for an application.