MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Forest City’s Self-Help warehouse on Marine Corps Base Hawaii allows residents to borrow or trade out one for one items such as specialty light bulbs and lawn mowers.
“We (Forest City) took over (the Self-Help Warehouse) from the Marine Corps and Navy in 2006,” said Susan Ridgway, director of property operations for Forest City.
In 2013, there were 7,771 visits to the Self-Help warehouse, according to Ridgeway.
The Self-Help warehouse is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Forest City housing residents only.
The Self-Help warehouse rents out many gardening items and household necessities. These items are loaned out to help residents keep their yards and home within standards. A few rentable items are extension cords, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, shovels and touch-up paint.
“We lend out lawn mowers, string and trimmers,” Ridgeway said. “Residents must maintain their fenced in areas. We help supply items so they don’t have to buy them.”
There is a limited quantity of items available so they are loaned out and traded on a first come, first served basis. Residents can call ahead of time to make sure the item they need is available, explained Ridgeway.
“They check out an item and usually have to bring it back 24 to 48 hours later,” Ridgeway said. “It depends on how many they have on hand and how many are on hold.”
They do not provide consumable items that are readily available at local stores like water filters, grass seed and batteries. They do, however, supply air conditioner filters to encourage residents to change their filters monthly.
“We recommend changing the air conditioner filters every month,” Ridgeway said. “It helps keep the air conditioner energy efficient. Most of the filters are specialty filters that can’t be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. Forest City residents can come and trade one for one.”
Air filters, light and cable outlet covers and specialty light bulbs are all available for a one for one trade out. They will trade out specialty light bulbs as long as they are burnt out explained Ridgeway.
For more information on the Self-Help warehouse contact the self-help phone at 836-5434.
“Utilize the Self Help,” Ridgeway said. “We can help keep your yards looking good.”