Under a new bill, Hawaii bars and restaurants will be mandated to stock life-saving Narcan.
Hawaii County has passed Bill 71, a new ordinance that requires all bars and restaurants in the county to keep naloxone (Narcan)—a medication that reverses opioid overdoses—on their premises. This legislation, co-sponsored by local representatives, aims to provide immediate access to this life-saving treatment in venues where overdoses could potentially occur.
Key details and implications for establishments include:
- Requirement: Bars and restaurants must maintain a supply of naloxone on their premises.
- Purpose: To reduce fatalities from opioid overdoses by enabling staff or patrons to administer naloxone quickly before emergency responders arrive.
- Legislative background: Bill 71 is a public health measure designed in response to the opioid crisis affecting communities statewide.
- Operational impact: Establishments will need to train staff or ensure someone is knowledgeable about administering naloxone, maintain and possibly secure the medication on-site, and comply with any reporting or replenishment guidelines that the county may implement.
This requirement reflects a growing trend of increasing opioid overdose interventions beyond traditional healthcare settings to public venues, emphasizing harm reduction and immediate overdose response. It also highlights an important public safety measure for Hawaii County businesses, positioning them as first-line responders in potential overdose scenarios.
As of the latest updates in August 2025, active discussion and promotion of Bill 71 continue among county leadership to ensure successful implementation and support in the community. However, no specific details about enforcement, penalties for non-compliance, or required staff training programs were found in the available information and may require follow-up with Hawaii County officials for operational guidance.
Notable supporters of the bill include Stacy Tomlin, general manager of Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine in downtown Hilo, and Kapono Kekela, a community member and advocate for the prevention of overdose deaths. Kekela cited alcohol as a potentiator for opioid overdose during his testimony in support of the bill.
Employees or owners who use Narcan in good faith to assist someone experiencing an apparent opioid overdose are protected from civil and criminal liability under state law. Supporters of the bill believe having Narcan readily available in these settings could save lives in emergency situations.
Narcan costs about $50 for two doses, and establishments licensed to serve alcohol are required to maintain at least two doses of naloxone on their premises. The medication must be stored in a visible, labeled location accessible to employees during operating hours.
If approved, the ordinance would apply to a wide range of venues licensed by the liquor commission, including bars, restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, tour or cruise vessels, breweries, pubs, and taverns. The bill was introduced by council members James Hustace and Holeka Inaba and passed with unanimous support.
This news marks an important step towards addressing the opioid crisis in Hawaii County and beyond, by empowering businesses to take action in potentially life-threatening situations. Further updates on enforcement, training, and compliance will be crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative.
- The new ordinance, Bill 71, mandates bars and restaurants in Hawaii County to keep naloxone (Narcan) on their premises.
- This life-saving treatment reverses opioid overdoses, providing immediate access in venues where overdoses could occur.
- The legislation is designed as a public health measure to combat the opioid crisis statewide.
- Establishments must maintain a supply of naloxone to reduce fatalities from opioid overdoses.
- Operational impact includes training staff, maintaining and securing the medication on-site, and adhering to any reporting or replenishment guidelines.
- The requirement underscores a growing trend of opioid overdose interventions in public venues, emphasizing harm reduction and immediate overdose response.
- Hawaii County businesses are positioned as first-line responders in potential overdose scenarios.
- Discussion and promotion of Bill 71 continue among county leadership to ensure successful implementation and support in the community.
- Kekela, a supporter of the bill, emphasized alcohol as a potentiator for opioid overdose during his testimony.
- Employees or owners using Narcan in good faith to assist someone experiencing an opioid overdose are protected from civil and criminal liability.
- Narcan costs about $50 for two doses, and establishments licensed to serve alcohol are required to maintain at least two doses.
- The medication must be stored in a visible, labeled location accessible to employees during operating hours.
- Bill 71 applies to a wide range of venues licensed by the liquor commission, including bars, restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, tour or cruise vessels, breweries, pubs, and taverns.
- The bill aims to save lives in emergency situations and position businesses as proactive players in addressing the opioid crisis.15.The medical community continues to research other areas where interventions and treatments may be beneficial, such as workplace wellness, mental health, and chronic diseases.
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- Fitness and exercise, nutrition, and skin care are key aspects of maintaining overall well-being and managing these chronic conditions.
- Autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and skin conditions also fall under the health and wellness umbrella.
- Mental health issues, including migraines, continue to be a pressing concern in healthcare, necessitating various therapies and treatments.
- Science and policy collaborate to develop effective strategies in treating chronic diseases and mental health conditions.
- CBD, derived from cannabis, has shown potential in treating various medical conditions, including anxiety and chronic pain.
- Politicians address the opioid crisis through policy and legislation, including regulations for the use and distribution of Narcan.
- General news, crime and justice, and accidents often cover incidents related to opioid abuse and overdose.
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- Racial injustice, politics, and war and conflicts are significant issues that impact communities and health on a larger scale.
- Migration, car accidents, and policy changes impact health through direct and indirect means, requiring ongoing dialogue and action.
- Hawaii County's Bill 71 represents a step towards broader community involvement in healthcare and wellness, emphasizing proactive approaches to addressing public health emergencies.
