Kīlauea HI5 Redemption Center Closed, County Lists Alternate Hours

On December 19 the Kīlauea HI5 Redemption Center was closed because of inclement weather, interrupting normal HI5 redemption services for parts of the island. The county advised residents that the Kapa‘a Redemption Center remained open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and that the Līhu‘e Redemption Center operated from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch closure from 12 p.m. to 1 30 p.m. For questions or further details residents were asked to call the Solid Waste Division at 808 241 4841.

The closure is the most immediate impact residents felt, particularly those who planned to return bottles and cans for deposit refunds on that day. Delays in redemption can create lineups and added travel for people who rely on regular access to the centers, including low income households and small businesses that use HI5 returns as a modest source of revenue. The Kapa‘a and Līhu‘e sites provided alternatives, but the adjusted hours and the midday closure in Līhu‘e reduced the window available for some residents, especially those with work or caregiving obligations.

The county Solid Waste Division is responsible for operating the county redemption centers and for communicating schedule changes when weather or other conditions disrupt services. Timely public notice helps residents plan and avoid unnecessary trips, and the phone contact provides a direct line for up to date information. Residents who missed the Kīlauea center on December 19 were able to call 808 241 4841 to confirm hours and locations before traveling.

Looking ahead, residents are advised to check center hours before visiting during periods of unstable weather to avoid inconvenience. The Kapa‘a and Līhu‘e locations remained available on December 19 with the hours stated, and the Solid Waste Division number is the primary contact for changes or questions about redemption center operations.