Just wanted to share my experience…read more 1. Call the local number ahead of time. The 1-800 number is a trap, you wait for over 1 hour on hold, and then they can't help you anyways. The local folks know exactly what can be done (their services have been scaled back because of budget cuts), and if you need an appointment or a walk in is okay. If an appointment, might be ~6 weeks out because of backlog, be prepared. 2. 4 separate people will ask you why you're visiting, be super clear in what you need + if you have an appointment or were told you didn't have to make one. 3. Listen carefully for the numbers being called. Their PA system is super mid, and depending on who is calling the number from what window, it might not be clear. Lol everyone in the waiting room banded together to try discern what's being said. "You got that ticket number?" "Think it was this, who caught the window number?" 4. The employees are short staffed, but very empathetic + helpful. You just have to work together with them, have your id + documents ready for when it's your turn and they ask for stuff. Thanks to the guy that helped me (think AF vet?), got what I needed to file taxes for my mom who recently passed.

Excellent service and run well. Short wait time. Sign up online first and make sure you have all…read moreyour required documents before heading over. There are two entrances and you have to go through a scanner. Be prepared aa this can go slow.

My biometrics appointment went well and fast people there were nice and accomodating…read moreI think it only took me 10 mins to finish

23 November 2020 My…read moremother has a long overdue appointment. Due to covid19 the facilities were locked down and assumingly severely delayed USCIS processes. Anyway, she was finally able to get an appointment. We arrived downtown super early and was able to find parking along the street. It was still early so we sat in the car and waited. There is a parking garage for the plaza with access from Pohukaina Street. Parking fee is $3 per 30 minutes. Nearer her appointment time she wanted to use the bathroom before going in so we walked around the plaza in search of one. She remembered seeing one in the parking garage during her last visit so we headed to the parking area. While there we did find a bathroom however, it was locked and required a code to access it, which we did not have. We went to the nearby guard station and asked them about access to the bathroom at which time they gave us an access code. USCIS has offices in Building 2, floors 4 and 5. Depending on which part in the process you are will determine which floor your appointment is. My mother's appointment was on the 5th floor so we took the elevator there; I'm sure there are stairs in case of emergencies, but I did not see them from the ground floor. Inside, the elevator opens up to a security guard checkpoint. The guards ask for your appointment letter (you can only access with an appointment and only the application is allowed beyond the security checkpoint) and then they have you place all your items in a bin to go through a scanner. You then go through a body scanner, similar to the airport scanners. Once through the security checkpoint, immigration officials have desks with security glass to process applicants. There is a small waiting area but, I'm not sure who that is for since only applicants are allowed back. I was only allowed back after Michelle, the official working with my mother, asked to speak with me. No photography or recording devices are allowed, and definitely no weapons even if you have a permit to carry. Both floors are heavily secured. There are three guards a both security checkpoint on each floor (& those are only the ones I saw) and there are security cameras watching every angle.

doing everything through the TSA pre-check online portal was super easy then you make your…read moreappointment to come in the only thing that I had trouble with and it's no fault that theirs is when you put in the address it tells you to turn down a street which is only for commercial vehicle deliveries because it's kind of like downtown Fort Street mall where they have the sidewalk for the street but you can go on there if you have deliveries and stuff so and there's no parking in the building. You have to find street parking and then just walk in. There's a bunch of construction going on in the building but other than that, it was fast. I was in and out of there maybe five minutes.

Unprofessional little girl called me to the back & unbeknownst to me someone slipped in front of…read moreme. Thought she was making a xerox copy of a document. Had no idea that there was no hallway past the sad run down room so I waited for the copies to be done. Then the little tart had the nerve to tell me I should've left. Not once did she say she had to take care of someone else and she never told me to wait outside. She scolded me! Wow! Learn how to do your job! Tell the person you called that you had to take someone else before me & do not scold someone for not knowing what's going on. This place is pathetic. I feel sorry for anyone who has to go here. Also on a side note, they don't call by appt times. They call by arrival. I was there at my scheduled appointment time but I still waited 30 minutes because other people showed up earlier than their appointment time and got a number before me. Makes zero sense.

IRS= Internal Revenue Service, I have mixed feelings with the IRS! We either love them um or don't…read more hehe. Before I go on with my review here's our Taxpayer Bill of Rights: *The Right to Be Informed *The Right to Quality Service *The Right to Challenge the IRS's Position and Be Heard *The Right to Appeal an IRS Decision in an Independent Forum *The Right to Finality *The Right to Privacy * The Right to Confidentiality *The Right to Retain REpresentation * The Right to A Fair and Just Tax System The reason for my phone call to IRS and my recent appointment with them was that I received mail, made me worried and couldn't sleep. It was confusing and luckily when I called the number, kind gentlemen that assist me was very helpful, he helped me schedule my appointment for the very next day and the earliest time spot. IRS is located at 300 Ala Moana Blvd. ( Federal Building) I know this building well as I visited the other offices here to do business for my momma & daughter now its for ME! Parking is not available in their lot, street parking but my suggestion is to park at restaurant row parking lot or the jury duty lot not knowing how long your visit will take you don't want to leave and feed the meters. You will have to pass security like TSA, the line was long on the day of my visit and the guard only lets in 1-2 at a time. There are 2 security lines, front & back of building, I waited in the long line and my appointment was at 8:30 am. * tip, let the security know your appointment time, he will let you in sooner. This security is more strict than TSA, take out your cell phone, bracelets, watch, keys in pocket. When we got to the IRS office, there was some " Karens" in line confused and grumbling as the office staff that checked me in mentioned "they are short staff and hiring" There were a few customers without appointment, not sure how long the wait is and they only service the ones with appointment first. My advice, best to get an appointment. I received my ticket number 100 and waited patiently for our number to be called. Only one case worker was available to assist during my visit. Why the letter from IRS?! I submitted my tax payment on line via IRS.GOV website on 4.15. 24, shows the payment went through but my mistake and my fault, I had to enter the primary SS number which is my husband -which I entered my SS number. This is the reason for the confusion and the letter. The case worker just knew from the letter and explained it well. For now we will have to wait til they switch payment over from my SS account to the right one via the "Tool", which it will take 4-6 weeks, now I am worried about the fees and penalty that will apply. ( Yikes.!) Lesson learned, from now on I will stick to paying my taxes when we get our taxes filed, I the usual way. I out-smarted myself, actually I wanted to pay via my credit card to earn those SouthWest Points, but chickened out, it was my very first time making a payment on the IRS.GOV. Oh well, now crossing fingers all goes well with the transfer and that I don't get assessed fees! Never mess with the IRS and you cannot win with Uncle Sam. ( I don't want to go on, makes me mad) but I am happy that our Tax dollars, are going to good use.....?!

I went through security and forgot I had my cellphone in my pocket. So I set off the metal…read moredetector. One of the security guards was very hostile. He was telling me that I don't know how to listen. I said I'm sorry I forgot I had something in my pocket. He said didn't I tell you to empty your pockets. He was being very loud and he kept going on and on. So I put my cellphone down and went back through the detector. He then yelled at me to get back over here and that he was not done talking to me. I just wanted to get through security and be on my way to my appointment. But that guy was ridiculous. I made a mistake. And it felt like he really wanted to punish me for it. I held my tongue because I could tell this person had some major control and anger issues. When I exited the building, another security guard stopped us and told us we couldn't exit this way. And then he was like just kidding. I laughed. I asked if he ever works in the front. He said no . I told him he should, he has a good sense of humor . The prick in the front is out to ruin peoples day. And he said a lot of people complain about the old guy in the front. So I guess I'm not the only one. First time I ever had to come to this building. But be prepared! The security is very tight and stricter than TSA. And you better not have anything in your pockets or you will pay!!!

GO ANYWHERE ELSE!!!!! I was coming to this building for finger printing and walked to the back of…read morethe building (my first mistake) i was on the phone with my mother and got yelled at by this man looking to be in his late 40s early 50s for being in the wrong spot. i then walked around the building where a security guard was in which she told me to go to the second level i walked up the stairs and knew this is not where im supposed to be. this same guy who had earlier yelled at me came up and chased me down telling me im not in the wrong spot and that i need to leave right now. i told him it wasnt my fault and that the security lady told me to go upstairs he kept telling me to leave. i ask to use the bathroom and he tells me no. i then am done with my appointment and walking back to the bus and this guy stops me on the street to say that there's robbers everywhere and i needed to look at the maps and find out the right spot. mind you im a 19 year old college kid. very bad way to start the day and very disappointed with the staff here

One of my housemates got food stamps and I was like eff it I should try and apply. I think I make…read moretoo much money, but I'm single and I go to school full-time so I thought why not. I came here a couple times so far parking is good they have their own lot. The first time I came, I came to pick up my app that was around 2pm and the facility looked really packed inside about 20+ people in there. So I suggest coming early if anything. The second time I came to submit my application and schedule an interview or wait for an interview they were all out on an all staff meeting so they were out from the morning until 1pm and they had multiple signs hanging stating so. So I just ended up dropping off my app. The third time I came and it was in the morning around 9am, it wasn't that packed maybe like 6 people, but I think I just got blessed. I did my interview that day as well. They give you a counselor and they look through all your documents you must have: - valid id - either of these 3 types of identification: ss card, passport, birth certificate - filled out application - pay stubs for the past 3 pay periods - bank statements of current bank info - electric/water bills if you have any - letter from your current landlord It was relatively fast and I was in and out within an hour. At the end I waited outside in the waiting area while they issued me a ebt card. I only applied for food stamps but you can also apply for financial assistance, I think that process might be longer. They informed me that in a week or so I should receive a letter in the mail stating if I'm eligible or not for ebt and if I am it will state the amount. Haven't gotten any letter yet, but I am very intrigued to see if I qualify or not. LOL

We move from a different country and within one year we had all types of funny and learning…read moreexperiences!! We had kind of mixed experience from HPD First when we moved we had no idea that hawaii is a place for the homeless. We thought okay this is a very rich country, so there should be no crime!! We are wrong!! Some one stole our notebook, laptop paychecks! Even with the footages of the crime they couldn't do any thing. The detective did not informed us anything later or not gave any update and become a cold case. The good experience with HPD was someone hit our car and run. Although it's not a major accident. They took our case seriously and take necessary steps. Overall a mixed experience. There are so many room for the improvement.

See something???? Don't bother calling HPD. They won't help even if their job is to serve and…read moreprotect or even keep the peace. They will lecture you and tell you to look the other way and walk away. They make you feel like you committed a crime. That's basically what happened. While this cop is lecturing me the guy walked away. The cop said to blame it on the Prosecutor Office. He said he's not doing anything because the Prosecutor office would throw it out, even if a crime was committed. So HPD only want crimes with blood or money, even that is questionalbe, otherwise the cop said he won't waste his time. HPD doesn't need more cops. Mayor B should shoud mind his own.

Poor rating due to Covid. Normally you are able to pick up a birth certificate expeditiously…read more Currently NO WALK-INS. All orders must be placed online and will be mailed. According to site processing time is 96 days!!!!

Cyndy's Bottom Line: Submit your request for a birth certificate online:…read more https://vitrec.ehawaii.gov/ Operating hours: Mon-Fri, 7:45am to 2:30pm Cyndy TIP: Submit & pay online, stand in pre-paid pick up(s) line. Entrance door to RM 103 is on the left facing the building. *Paid parking lot *Pay at parking machine and put your ticket on the dashboard *Cost for a birth certificate:$12.50 *Take a number if you completed/submitted an online request with payment in cash. Take a seat until your number is called. OR *Stand in pre-paid line if you completed/submitted an online request and made payment online by credit card. *Be very nice to clerks!

Today I had the pleasure of making first contact with the famous Honolulu Poice Department, Waikiki…read moreBeach station. Im from Los Angeles, CA. I went to station with hopes of trading work patches but unfortunately got left outside the door with an incredibly rude "No, we dont do that". Ive been to numerous departments worldwide and all of them graciously take me in as a work professional. Believe me when I say, THE HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT IS SO UNWELCOMING, and RUDE. It looks they rather work on they tan then help tourists and or fellow LEO with a request. Happy to I won't be visiting that or another station in Hawaii ever again because they'll be just the same. Tourists, if you need help ask the LOCALS not the police. Thank you for nothing Honolulu Poice Department.

If you're naturally paranoid of cops like I am, these guys will freak you the hell out!…read more No one told me about how cops in Hawaii can use their own personal vehicles. Wow, that was a surprise. Normal looking family car one minute, then the next minute the guy lights me up. What the hell? You can't tell where the dang cops are until they're all up in your business. Not cool. And no one told me how the cops in the actual marked cruisers drive around with their blue lights on. Like, all the time. I guess some police departments do this as a safety policy. But I had never heard of that before visiting Hawaii. Every time a cop got behind me with his lights on I thought I was being pulled over, so I'd immediately start looking for somewhere to hide my stash. OK, so I didn't really have any stash to hide, but having a cop with his lights on behind me reminded me of back in the day when I did. So, see officer, no disrespect intended. I'm just writing this little review so mainlanders that come after me will know the score. Mikey C says: Must be because I had a flu for Christmas And I'm not feeling up to par It increases my paranoia Like looking at my mirror and seeing a police car

I been to several different municipalities in the country. I loved C&C of Honolulu after few…read morevacation trips. Me and my partner officially called Honolulu our home as we moved to Waikiki in the turn of the century. We were able to afford a condo in a mid-rise building, then moved to a plantation-style house. Not fancy but sufficient and convenient to the beach and downtown (except met a slumlord). Back then, everything was within reach. I loved the cultures and atmosphere. The only thing we complained the most was the cost of necessities. Well, that was one of the reasons we moved to Texas because we ran out of money. Bottom line is... don't try to live in Honolulu poor. You would need at least a million dollars to live comfortably back then 25 years ago. Not sure how much it is now today.

After dedicating my life to military law enforcement and breaking barriers as the only African…read moreAmerican--and often the first employee--in every company I've worked for, coming back to the US after 24 years was supposed to mean progress. But in Hawaii, I found the same rotten mindset festering beneath the surface. Despite being treated warmly by many locals, I've faced the sting of prejudice from those who should understand us best: black officers who still, shockingly, demean us like slaves or dumbed-down caricatures. I encountered an officer who, completely unaware of my financial acumen, extensive law enforcement experience, and military service, had the nerve to act as if he was the sole guardian of the law. That moment wasn't just a slap in the face--it was a brutal reminder that despite decades of sacrifice and achievement, some of these outdated attitudes are still embedded in our institutions. It's infuriating to realize that after all this time, real change remains painfully out of reach. I'm left questioning where I belong, and the thought of returning to Japan--a place where, at least then, I felt my value was recognized--now seems like a potential path to hope. The fight against this injustice is personal, and it burns with a fury that demands not just acknowledgment, but a radical shift in how we are seen and treated.

It's pretty ghetto, and my PD didn't know much about my case, but I got a quick appointment with…read moreminimal wait time. Helpful tip is they are located upstairs of the building.

I had an appointment with C.G. Its located at the Nimitz Center (Ewa Side) on the 2nd floor. It was…read morenot busy at all. My appointment was at 2:00pm and I think I barely made it due to the busy City Bus. Arrived at 1:58pm. The ladies at the reception were nice. You have to fill out a simple application (name, contact info, income info, etc, etc). After I was done, C.G. came out to greet me and we reviewed my case and explained in detail what we can do and what will (can/might) happen. She was very kind, helpful, and caring. Honestly I was terrified until I went over the case with her and was able to sleep after that. She will give you her contact number, court date, and location. Although you can attend the court trial via Zoom, she did mention its better to be in person. If they seem busy, its probably because they are bombarded with a lot misdemeanor cases. Just imagine how much cases they have just from Waikiki due to the "Safe & Sound" bill. Good Luck Everyone.