Hawaii County hospitality establishments to now stock life-saving Narcan, under the provisions of a fresh legislation
Hawaii County has taken a significant step in addressing the opioid crisis by passing Bill 71, a legislation that mandates bars and restaurants across the county to keep Narcan, a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, on their premises.
The bill, co-sponsored by local representatives such as Cherry Nava, aims to make Narcan readily available in social settings where opioid overdoses may occur. It 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 [1][2][4].
Implications for Licensed Establishments
The new legislation requires establishments to acquire and maintain Narcan on their premises to meet regulatory requirements. Staff may need training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan effectively.
Having Narcan readily available could increase public safety by reducing fatalities from opioid overdoses in public social venues. However, establishments will bear the cost and administrative responsibility of obtaining and maintaining Narcan supplies [4].
Enforcement and Compliance
Establishments that fail to comply with the ordinance could face fines of up to $500 per day for each day the violation continues. The director of liquor control may provide informational materials to help businesses understand how to use Narcan [1][2][4].
The bill, which was introduced by council members James Hustace and Holeka Inaba, passed with a 7-0 vote. It now moves to the full County Council for further consideration [3].
"I wish there was a class we could all take on how to administer Narcan, because I want everyone on our staff to know how to use it," Stacy Tomlin, general manager of Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine in downtown Hilo, told the Tribune-Herald on Thursday [2].
The bill responds to a statewide rise in opioid-related overdoses, driven largely by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The aim is to reduce preventable deaths from opioid overdoses in Hawaii County [1][4]. At least two doses of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, must be maintained on-site, and at least one employee on duty must be familiar with its location and how to administer it [1][2][4].
This legislation reflects a proactive public health approach to addressing the opioid crisis at the local community level by involving key venues like bars and restaurants where overdoses might occur [4].
[1] https://www.tribune-herald.com/2022/03/18/bars-restaurants-may-be-required-to-carry-narcan/ [2] https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2022/03/18/pineapples-island-fresh-cuisine-manager-supports-narcan-bill/ [3] https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2022/03/17/bill-71-passes-out-of-county-council-committee/ [4] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2022/03/17/hawaii-county-council-passes-bill-requiring-bars-restaurants-carry-narcan/
- The health-and-wellness of the local community in Hawaii County is being prioritized with the passing of Bill 71, which encourages businesses like bars and restaurants to be part of the solution by stocking the life-saving medication Narcan.
- The proactive approach to the opioid crisis includes not only making Narcan readily available in social settings but also educating staff of fitness-and-exercise establishments on how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer Narcan effectively.
- To promote mental health and safety in the community, the science behind recognizing and treating opioid overdoses is being taught to employees in various businesses, from health-and-wellness centers to restaurants, as they must be familiar with Narcan and its proper usage according to the new legislation.
