Hawai‘i Island police release August stats for fentanyl-related recoveries and arrests
In its monthly report, police indicate 1.2 grams of the illicit drug was recovered in August including one pill. Additionally, five people were arrested in connection to the synthetic opioid.
Fentanyl-related arrests and drug recoveries increase in East Hawai‘i
The monthly fentanyl report released by Hawai‘i Island police for April indicated there were six fentanyl-related arrests, five in East Hawai‘i [Area I] and one in West Hawai‘i [Area II].
Hawai‘i Island man charged after reportedly found with dozens of fentanyl pills in Hilo warehouse
According to Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the amount of pills the suspect had in his possession was equivalent to approximately 3,980 lethal doses of the synthetic opioid.
Narcan vending machines pop up islandwide as Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force battles rise in opioid overdoses
To make naloxone more accessible, the Department of Health started sending over vending machines, each loaded with 63 boxes of the nasal spray, to the island. There are now seven islandwide.
Kona man found with suspected fentanyl at airport was out on supervised release for unrelated drug charges
The 35-year-old was initially arrested on suspicion of violating the terms and conditions of his release in a drug case where he is awaiting trial on charges of a class B promotion of a dangerous drug and class C promotion of a dangerous drug after being found with fentanyl on Sept. 17, 2023, and Nov. 9, 2023.
Fentanyl crisis continues on Big Island; more funding needed for prevention
Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force says having more funding would help address the issue of prevention and addiction on Hawai’i Island.
‘Breakthrough intervention’ to be announced in fight against fentanyl on the Big Island
The Hawai‘i County Fentanyl Task Force meeting will take place on Friday at the Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center in Hilo.
Big Island high school students wave signs against deadly fentanyl
The signs included the messages: One pill can kill; Fentanyl kills; and Narcan saves lives.
Young lives on the Big Island are being lost to drug overdoses and deadly fentanyl
In the past two months, a teenager has died from a drug overdose and a teenager and a young adult have died of suspected drug overdoses, police said.
Former Hilo Medical Center nurse facing drug theft, fentanyl possession charges
A former Hilo Medical Center nurse was charged with various offenses including prescription drug theft and possession of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
Hawai‘i Police Confirm Suspected Fentanyl Bust in Kona
One person was arrested in connection with a suspected fentanyl drug bust in Kona on Tuesday evening, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.
State Set to Receive Funding from Nationwide Opioid Settlements
Hawaiʻi is set to receive $26 billion in opioid settlement funds as part of $78 million in nationwide settlements to resolve lawsuits against the three largest drug distributors and one of the largest drug manufacturers, Johnson and Johnson.
Officials Confirm Death of Big Island Teen Last Year was Result of Fentanyl Overdose
A West Hawai‘i teen who died last November suffered from a fentanyl overdose, the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Hawai‘i News Now.
Bail Reduced for Kona Man Charged With Possession of Meth, Fentanyl
A Kona District Court judge reduced bail for a Kona charged with attempted distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl offenses.
Accused Fentanyl Supplier to Big Island Indicted in Federal Court
The indictment indicates a fentanyl supply connection between Washington State and Hawai‘i Island.
Health, Community Leaders Discuss Rise in Fentanyl During Awareness Summit
Health experts and community leaders are engaging the Hawaiʻi Island residents on the growing dangers of the synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
Public Invited to Attend Virtual Fentanyl Awareness Summit
West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, the county and Nā Leo TV are partnering to host Hawaiʻi Island’s first fentanyl awareness summit in an effort to educate the public on the synthetic opioid and its link to a rise in drug overdoses in the community.
Life After Addiction: Puna Man Finds Hope Through Community Service
When Carlos Bellotto woke up at Hilo Medical Center five years ago after overdosing on a fentanyl drug mixture, he was angry.
Heroin Recoveries, Fentanyl Investigations on the Rise
The amount of heroin confiscated by police has increased nearly sevenfold since 2020, and the presence of the synthetic opioid additive fentanyl within recovered heroin and methamphetamine seems to be growing, according to statistics from Hawaiʻi Police Department.
Drug, Firearm Recoveries by the Numbers
Big Island Now requested drug and firearm recovery data from Hawaiʻi Police Department in October.
Use of Naloxone Grows as Overdose-Reversing Antidote Becomes More Accessible
Hawai’i Police have revived five people from the effects of opioid overdoses with naloxone — likely saving their lives in the process.
Overdoses by the Numbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added fentanyl-specific codes on Oct. 1, 2020.
