Fri Oct 18 07:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Missing Mail in Hilo: Small Businesses Suffer Thousands in Losses

**HILO, HAWAII** – Frustration is mounting for small business owners in Hilo as they report a wave of missing packages dropped off at the city’s main post office. Two business owners, Jordan Camara of Kahua Aina and Jessica Wong, told Hawaii News Now (HNN) that the problem has been ongoing for over a year.

Both women described a pattern of dropping off large shipments for online orders, either at the post office’s back dock or the mail drop inside, only to find that not all packages were scanned into the system. This resulted in customer inquiries about missing orders and tracking information showing that while labels were created, the USPS had not received the packages.

Wong, who has lost approximately $2,500 in unreimbursed packages, says the situation significantly impacts her small business, stating “We’re not like Amazon.”

HNN Investigates contacted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Office of Inspector General, who confirmed they are investigating the situation. While unable to disclose details about the investigation, Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet stressed that customers should never leave mail unattended at the post office and should wait for a postal worker to scan their packages, especially at the back dock. He also recommended businesses obtain a commercial account to have packages scanned at their shop or warehouse.

Camara, who has lost money due to missing packages, is now choosing to stand in line at the post office to ensure each package is individually scanned and she receives a receipt.

Postal inspectors urge anyone who has experienced similar issues in Hilo to call 877-876-2455. Tips that lead to a conviction could earn a reward of up to $100,000.

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