By Karyn Chambers
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of visiting with Tammy Xavier, a twenty-five year veteran of UPS, who wanted to give back to Puna by creating a modern new location where folks can receive their mail/packages safely and easily. Tammy wanted to set up a safe, convenient place for residents to pick up their mail without having to drive long distances or stand in long lines. Paku Leka actually means “mailboxes” in Hawaiian. People can rent a mailbox for $25 per month with a six month lease. This mailbox annex–15-3070 Pahoa Kapoho Road (site of the Hub during the 2018 eruption) at the corner of Pahoa Village Road across from Pahoa HS. It serves folks in Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, HPP, Kalapana/Seaview, Kehena Beach Estates, Leilani, Maku’u, Orchidland, Pahoa, and even Mountain View.
This secure site protects your Amazon, UPS, and Fed-Ex parcels and packages. No more worries about theft, or drivers unable to find remote addresses. They will even hold your letters and packages while you are away on vacation or emergencies, keeping your mail conveniently and safely held. Paku Leka prides themselves on catering to the needs of the people in Puna. No need to fret about lost packages or missing deliveries.
When talking to Tammy, I was moved by her desire to give back to the people. With her 25 years of employment in the UPS front office, she learned UPS processes/policies from the inside out. She not only wants to provide reliable, secure mail service, but also offer lucrative employment to people in Puna. The Annex is actually owned by the employees; thus, it’s a true gift for the people. Although Tammy and her husband live on Maui, they built this facility for us here on the Big Island. She comes regularly to make sure everything runs smoothly. Dira and Mindy, employees who live locally, are available for services and questions. Feel free to call 808 319-4440 for more information.
Tammy started this project in December of 2023, buying property at Ainaloa on Kea’au Pahoa Road. She had plans drawn up by an architect; however, after going through the permitting process, she was stopped by the Department of Transportation, requiring $100,000 to conduct a two year study. She sold the property and found a more suitable place on the corner of Pahoa Kapoho Road. Their lease was agreed upon and construction began on April 20th. Tammy and her husband Ted would travel from Maui every other weekend for a 3-4 day build out. Eventually, the Postmaster inspected and approved of their site. Then they received the Gateway System for people to register for USPS. What an amazing journey! They persevered for the people and finally completed their project, creating safe and reliable mail service for Puna residents.
Their hours are M-F 9am-6pm to lease one of the 800 secure mailboxes. They are working in conjunction with Aloha Mail distribution center and currently in the process of assisting with Amazon/UPS/Fed-Ex returns. Save your fuel for other endeavors and avoid being on the road unnecessarily.
In addition to serving the community with mailboxes, Tammy also works with service dogs–therapy for seniors and special needs children. When I asked Tammy what she wants people to know, she said, “It feels good to share positive energy.” She shared that her life was saved by kindness, and so she wants to Pay It Forward and give back to those in need. Truly the spirit of Aloha!
Check out Paku Leka and enjoy the benefits of safe, reliable mail service. What a blessing to Puna. Spread the word and stop by. Inquiries welcome!
Karyn Chambers
Karyn Chambers taught community college classes--English Composition, Study Skills, Critical Thinking, Philosophy, World Religions, and Biblical Studies for twenty-five years in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. She wrote articles for a local newspaper column Interfaith Voices for seven years. In 1996, she earned a Master’s in Composition and Rhetoric from OSU, and in 2015, a Master’s of Divinity from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon. She’s an ordained minister and Kundalini Yoga teacher. In addition, she’s a certified hypnotherapist and enjoys working with a variety of clients. Her greatest passion is traveling and experiencing spiritual traditions around the globe. She’s taken several yoga and meditation courses in India. Although she’s technically retired, she teaches seniors Creative Writing: Write Your Life Story in Kea’au and currently at the Kamana Center in Hilo. Her greatest delight is sharing her research and knowledge of world religions and spirituality to promote understanding, peace, and love. She loves living in Puna for its wonderful healing properties.