Hawai‘i County distributes over 700 doses of Narcan

The Hawai‘i County Department of Liquor Control has successfully completed the distribution of over 700 doses of Narcan Spray to its Dispenser licensees, including bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs and other establishments on Hawaiʻi Island.

This voluntary initiative aims to enhance public safety and ensure the well-being of patrons by equipping licensed establishments with a potentially life-saving tool. The distribution project was carried out in close cooperation with the State of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Kumukahi Health and Wellness Center.

Narcan Spray, also known as Naloxone, is a Food and Drug Administration-approved medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdoses. By providing Dispenser licensees with Narcan Spray, the Department of Liquor Control and its community partners are taking proactive measures to address potential opioid-related emergencies that may arise within these establishments.

Director Gerald Takase of the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Liquor Control expressed the impetus behind this initiative, stating, “It was really the action by Ocean’s nightclub in Coconut Grove, who administered Narcan to two individuals that ended up saving their lives, which really spurred us into action. With our community partners, we were able to get this done and hopefully be prepared for any more such incidents.”

Mayor Mitch Roth highlighted the significance of this collaborative effort, stating, “The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors are of utmost importance to us. By equipping our Dispenser licensees with Narcan Spray, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing potential opioid-related emergencies. I commend the Department of Liquor Control, the Department of Health, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Kumukahi Health and Wellness Center for their dedicated partnership in making this distribution possible.”