MEDIA RELEASE

Laupahoehoe Public & School Library will discontinue its Passport Application Acceptance Service, effective Saturday, October 31, 2009, in order for staff to focus on providing core library services to patrons. Another Big Island library, the Kealakekua Public Library, also discontinued its passport application acceptance service last week.

During these tough economic times, and the need for the Hawaii State Public Library System to offer essential core library services, extra services such as the Passport Application Acceptance Service will be impacted. Other libraries including Kapolei Public Library and Kalihi-Palama Public Library on Oahu, and Lanai Public & School Library have recently ended this service, as well.

Laupahoehoe Public & School Library and Kealakekua Public Library, in partnership with the Honolulu Passport Agency, U.S. Department of State, both volunteered to become Passport Application Acceptance Facilities in February 2001. The Libraries’ staff would like to thank the public for their generous support of this service, and for their understanding.

The nearest passport application acceptance facilities to these libraries are: Peepeekeo Post Office, (808) 964-3253; and Kealakekua Post Office, (808) 322-1656, respectively. An appointment is required to apply for a passport at these post offices.