Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty gripped the lives of many, including Kanaʻi Picanco and Brooks Carillo. Facing job insecurity, the pair turned necessity into opportunity by founding Kanaʻi’s Junk Removal in early 2021.
Armed with little more than a single truck and a determination to build something of their own, they grew their business from humble beginnings into a thriving operation with a fleet of trucks, a team of employees, and a mission that goes beyond simply hauling trash.
Their focus? Reducing landfill waste through donations and recycling, all while giving back to their island home of Oʻahu.
“We kind of started it by accident, really,” Picanco said, reflecting on the company’s beginnings.
His father had been working on demolition projects and was paying high fees to rent dumpsters from other companies. Picanco saw an opportunity to keep those costs in-house and suggested they buy their own truck.
The timing of the pandemic unexpectedly fueled growth for Kanaʻi’s Junk Removal, as many residents were homebound and took the opportunity to declutter or renovate. As people worked on their homes, they needed efficient junk removal services, and Picanco and Carillo quickly filled that gap.
They saw their operation grow quickly. Initially, it was just the two of them handling everything from customer calls to loading the trucks, but the demand for their services soon outpaced their ability to manage it all themselves.
Today, Kanaʻi’s Junk Removal has 11 trucks in its fleet, with plans to add a 12th in the coming months. They employ a team of 17 people across three base yards, all sharing the founders’ commitment to providing top-notch service while caring for the environment.
“Our focus has always been on reducing waste and doing what we can to keep items out of the landfill,” Picanco explained. “We live on an island, so we have to take care; the island isn’t getting any bigger. We’re doing our best to recycle or donate when possible.”
Carillo pointed out that a lot of the things they pick up are still in good condition. “A lot of furniture that may be gently used doesn’t need just to be thrown away. If somebody else can use it, we prefer to donate it instead of sending it to the dump.” The company partners with organizations like Helping Hands Hawaiʻi to ensure usable furniture and household goods go to those in need rather than being discarded.
Kanaʻi’s Junk Removal has also made a name for itself through its involvement in local environmental initiatives. The company regularly participates in beach cleanups and tire removals and hopes to add community dumpster days in the future.
“It would be a good service for people if they have things they want to dispose of but can’t take care of it themselves because they can’t access a truck or live in a condo. We’d like to be able to help,” Carillo said. “It’s not just about hauling junk; it’s about taking care of people and the environment.”
According to Carillo, one of the keys to their success is the team they’ve built. “Our goal is to build an environment where people enjoy working at a super family- oriented place,” she said. “We try to find people who match our core values and want to put the customer and the community first.”
This focus on service drives the company and is probably why Kanaʻi’s Junk Removal has earned a loyal following across Oʻahu.
Despite the less-than-glamorous nature of the job, Picanco shared how deeply rewarding the work can be for his team. “Our guys feel good about helping people,” he explained. “It’s not the most glamorous job – picking up rubbish – but when you look at the big picture, it’s about more than just throwing things away. We’re taking care of people, especially those who physically can’t do it themselves.”
Picanco recounted how some clients have even been moved to tears, expressing their deep gratitude after the team has cleared out their spaces.
“Sometimes people come to us afterward, crying, thanking us for taking something off their plate that they couldn’t do on their own,” he said. “In those moments, you realize it’s not just about junk – it’s about really helping these people out. That’s the kind of team we look to hire – people who genuinely want to help others.”
This culture of care resonates with their customers and attracts like-minded individuals to join the team. “By helping others, the company wins because more people see the kind of work we do and want to be part of it,” Picanco added.
With success on Oʻahu, the company’s sights are set on continued growth and possible expansion to neighbor islands.
For Picanco and Carillo, running Kanaʻi’s Junk Removal isn’t just about making a living, it’s about making a difference.
Focusing on sustainability, supporting local communities, and giving back proves that even a business born out of necessity can grow into something that impacts the community.
Schedule a service or request a quote, go to: www.kanaisjunkremoval.com
call: 808-736-0863
Follow them on social media:
- Instagram: kanaisjunkremoval
- Facebook: /kanaisjunkremoval
