Question: Are there any of those free shredding events coming up on Oahu? I have a few boxes, and when I looked into a company doing it, it was more expensive than I expected and they had a minimum which I don’t meet. Please don’t suggest buying a shredder to use at home, because I have one. I hate doing it and so I don’t get it done.
Answer: Yes, one is scheduled for late April. If you can’t wait that long, there’s another option available that might meet your budget.
First, the free event:
AARP and Access Information Protected will offer free document shredding to the general public from 8 a.m. to noon April 27 at 98-736 Moanalua Loop in Aiea, at Access’ secure destruction plant.
This will be a drive-thru, drop-off event, with volunteers available to help you unload; no foot traffic will be allowed. You’ll have to sign a release form before your documents will be accepted for destruction, according to AARP.
You’ll be limited to dropping off two business-size boxes or bags of paper. You don’t need to remove staples or paper clips from the documents. Your bags or boxes will be destroyed along with the documents, so don’t put the paperwork in something you want to keep.
You won’t be allowed to exit your vehicle to watch your paperwork be shredded; organizers want to keep the vehicle line moving. Police officers will direct traffic. You’ll have to make a right turn into the site and a right turn out, according to AARP.
You don’t need to be a member of AARP to participate in this event, which also will include a food drive. People are encouraged to bring rice, canned goods or monetary donations for the Hawaii Foodbank.
Another option is available at a relatively low cost, with no minimum.
Individuals or companies may bring paperwork to Goodwill Hawaii’s Secure Solution Document Destruction at 2610 Kilihau St. in Mapunapuna.
Shredding costs $6 or $10 per box, depending on the size of the file box; the cheaper rate is for a copy paper-size box (about 15 by 12 by 10 inches). Sizes are approximate; the receiving clerk determines the rate. Cash and some credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover) are accepted. No checks.
Walk-in, drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
You won’t need an appointment if you have fewer than 20 boxes and don’t need to witness the destruction. However, you’ll need to reserve at least a day in advance if you want to shred more than 20 boxes of paperwork or want to witness the shredding.
Call 792-8584 or email ssdd@higoodwill.org for more information.
SSDD provides employment and job training for Goodwill clients.
As for not wanting to handle this task yourself, we hear that a lot.
Mahalo
A few months ago my nephew’s big 1-year-old dog got loose and darted out into Kapiolani Boulevard, fronting our apartment building. He darted through traffic and ran back onto the sidewalk. He was so far ahead of me that I couldn’t catch up. I followed behind, and after a good 10 minutes he eventually came back and I was able to secure him on his leash. I was so overwhelmed with all the help I had received that day that I started to cry. Please extend a big mahalo to two aunties who put a shout out to their “rescue crew” and helped me search. I also want to thank every single vehicle on that busy thoroughfare that day for stopping as I was trying to coax the dog off the road. They were so kind and very dog-friendly people. After all of this, those two dog- loving aunties blessed me with $10 so I could purchase a new collar for this frisky, large young dog. Also, mahalo to those who helped on a previous occasion when he got loose. — Grateful dog walker
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
