LIHU‘E — In response to the current economic climate and a changing market, Hawaiian Telcom has decided not to renew its lease with Kukui Grove Center and will close its doors June 16. Due to lack of revenue and a
LIHU‘E — In response to the current economic climate and a changing market, Hawaiian Telcom has decided not to renew its lease with Kukui Grove Center and will close its doors June 16.
Due to lack of revenue and a shift in customer behavior toward online and telephone bill pay, the company will continue to provide service to the island, but will no longer have a retail presence.
“To some extent, customer behavior is changing and there are other ways to interact with Hawaiian Telcom that save you a drive to the store,” said Ann Nishida-Fry, senior manager of corporate communications for Hawaiian Telcom, Thursday.
When asked how many employees would be affected on Kaua‘i, Nishida-Fry said she was “unable to provide a breakdown specific to Kaua‘i,” though there will be a total of 23 employees, including some part-time, who will be laid off statewide when Hawaiian Telcom reduces its storefront locations from eight to five in June.
Other stores impacted include the Kapolei and Windward Mall stores on O‘ahu. Hawaiian Telcom’s Downtown, Kapiolani, Pearlridge, Maui and Hilo stores will remain open.
“The decision to close several of our retail stores was not easy. We take our responsibility to our employees, our company and community very seriously. This decision was made to enhance the long-term success of our company,” said President and CEO Eric Yeaman in a press release. “We appreciate our customers and employees’ continued support.”
“We will continue to provide reliable landline, broadband and wireless service to residential and business customers on the Garden Island,” Nishida-Fry said. “You’ll continue to see our technicians and trucks around town. We absolutely value the business of every customer.”
Customers are encouraged to utilize one of many bill payment options, which include automatic bill payment, online payment at www.hawaiiantel.com, mail-in, credit card payment over the phone at 877-651-8962 or making payment at any of First Hawaiian Bank’s seven locations island-wide.
To help customers on Kaua‘i adjust to bill payment alternatives, the $1 convenience fee per payment at First Hawaiian Bank will be waived for July and August.
