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Honolulu is set to become the first city in the country to mandate the presence of naloxone nasal spray in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol. The City Council unanimously approved Bill 28, which is expected to take effect on January 1. This move comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted over-the-counter approval to Narcan, the brand name for naloxone, an opioid-reversal medication. The bill is now awaiting Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s signature.
In a statement, Mayor Blangiardi emphasized the gravity of the fentanyl crisis in Honolulu and the need to combat the rising number of overdose deaths. He expressed his eagerness to sign the bill promptly, acknowledging that there is still more work to be done.
Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, who introduced the measure, thanked the Honolulu Liquor Commission for their collaboration in implementing this public health program. Despite recent controversies surrounding the Commission, Dos Santos-Tam commended their efforts in working with his office and the Emergency Services Department.
To facilitate the acquisition of naloxone, the Honolulu Liquor Commission has agreed to provide free “starter doses” for all liquor licensees. Dos Santos-Tam also mentioned that the opioid-settlement money will be used to ensure that affected businesses receive the medication for free.
In conjunction with the passing of Bill 28, the state Department of Health is partnering with the nonprofit Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center to distribute free doses of Narcan to all Hawaii residents. This initiative is made possible by two national settlements totaling $26 billion, with Hawaii receiving $78 million. A portion of the funds will go towards providing Narcan to residents, further combating the opioid crisis.
The pending law has received support from business owners, such as Robbie Baldwin, owner of Scarlet Honolulu, a nightclub in Chinatown. Baldwin applauds the City Council for addressing this crucial issue and believes that the bill will protect businesses, patrons, and the public at large. He revealed that his nightclub has already had Narcan on-site for about a year, thanks to the proactive efforts of the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center.
The rise of opioid-related overdoses is a concern shared by officials at both the city and state levels. From August 2017 to August 2018, the Department of Health reported 59 opioid-overdose deaths in the state. By 2020, that number skyrocketed to 274, representing a staggering 364% increase. Dr. Jim Ireland, the director of Honolulu Emergency Services Department, emphasized the life-saving potential of Bill 28.
While Council member Val Okimoto voiced her support for the bill, she also expressed a desire to reduce government mandates on local businesses. She suggested encouraging businesses, hotels, and shelters to voluntarily keep Narcan on their premises, making it more accessible.
It is worth noting that Narcan is considered safe and is currently used by Honolulu Fire Department personnel, EMS workers, and HPD officers. Even if mistakenly administered to an unconscious person who does not have an opioid overdose, there are no harmful side effects or health risks associated with Narcan.
As Honolulu takes this progressive step to combat the opioid crisis, it sets an example for other cities across the country. By implementing measures like Bill 28 and ensuring the widespread availability of naloxone, communities can work collectively to save lives and address the devastating impact of opioid-related overdoses.
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