Exhibit 16.1 Office of the Chief Accountant Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 May 20, 2002 Dear Sir/Madam: We have read Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated May 20, 2002 of Home Products International, Inc. to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with the statements contained therein. Very truly yours, /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Arthur Andersen LLP Copy to: Mr. James Winslow Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Home Products International, Inc.