Local calls will need to include the 808 area code, starting October 2021.
This affects all phone service providers and it applies to all local calls, including those on the same island.
Why?
The reason for this is the FCC is using 9-8-8 as a new 3 digit nationwide number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
What do you need to do?
Update your contacts. Any local phone number that is listed without the 808 area code needs to be updated, especially your SVN | GO contact numbers. Also don’t forget fax machines, burglar alarms, security gates, medical monitoring services, dial-up internet, or any other device that dials a phone number.
You can already use the 808 area code for any local number so there is no reason to wait, make the changes now.
This might seem like an inconvenience, but just think a minor inconvenience to you might save someone’s life.