Goodwill Reuse Collection Event Rescheduled to March 27 at Lihue Center

A developing Kona-storm pattern that prompted a cascade of cancellations across Kauai last week has pushed the Goodwill Industries of Hawai'i reuse collection event to Friday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kaua'i Resource Center, 3460 Ahukini Road in Līhu'e.

Kaua'i County's Department of Public Works issued the postponement notice on March 9, under the signatures of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and Managing Director Reiko Matsuyama. The same weather concerns that week forced Mayor Kawakami's in-person State of the County Address at the Lihue Civic Center's Moikeha Courtyard to move online, and led the Kauai Fire Department to cancel all three scheduled Community Wildfire Protection Plan workshops, including sessions planned at the Koloa Neighborhood Center and Anaina Hou in Kilauea. Those workshops have not yet been rescheduled.

Residents, businesses, and community organizations can bring clothing, small furniture, kitchen items, children's toys, books, and shoes to the March 27 event. Clothing and textiles do not need to be in good condition; torn or stained clothing is accepted. The county asks that people not bring eWaste, chemicals, medical equipment, appliances, food items, baby items other than clothing, or broken items.

Anyone planning to donate should check with local thrift stores first to see whether they can accept items before making the trip to the KRC. The Kaua'i County Solid Waste Division extended that recommendation in its guidance accompanying the rescheduling announcement.

Safety protocols remain in place for the drive-through format. "Due to health and safety concerns, heavy equipment in the area, and to reduce the chance of injury to customers unloading heavy items, Goodwill requests that the public remain in their vehicles while on-site," the county guidance states.

Thrift stores and businesses that need pick-up service rather than drop-off can call the Recycling Office at 808-241-4838 or email Ssumner@higoodwill.org. For general questions about the collection event or recycling programs, call 808-241-4841 or visit the Kaua'i County website. The Department of Public Works can be reached through County Engineer Troy Tanigawa at 808-241-4993.