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From:
Calista Engdahl
Sent:
Monday, August 4, 2025 10:34 AM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Bill No. 71
CD
Calista Engdahl
546 Kukuau Street
Hilo, HI 96720'
Cengdahl(c�r�,hopeserviceshawaii.org
808-494-8278
Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Bill No. 71 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 OF THE
HAWAI`I COUNTY CODE 1983 (2016 EDITION, AS AMENDED) BY ADDING AN ARTICLE,
RELATING TO NALOXONE.
Aloha Chair Onishi, Vice Chair Kimball, and Members of the Committee:
I am writing in strong support of Bill No. 71, which would amend Chapter 6 of the Hawaii County Code 1983
to require all establishments licensed to serve alcohol for on premises consumption in the County to maintain
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, on -site.
As a Housing Navigator at Keolahou Emergency shelter,.I have seen firsthand how this legislation could impact
the community. Here at our shelter, timely administration of buprenorphine has helped during an overdose
situation and saved a life. As a lifelong member of this community I believe Naloxone should be accessible in
all schools statewide as well.
The benefits of Bill No. 71 are clear:
1. Improved Emergency Response in our communities.
2. Alignment with Best Practices: This legislation reflects evidence -based approaches to overdose
management.
3. Community Impact: By empowering liquor serving establishments, to help reduce the tragic loss of
lives caused by accidental opioid overdoses.
4. Increased Community Collaboration: Giving more organizations and individuals the ability to render
aid and save lives.
I humbly ask for you to pass Bill 71 and support this critical measure to give our communities an upper hand in
combating the ongoing opioid crisis. By advancing this bill, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting the
health and well-being of our residents and providing hope to those affected by substance use disorders.
Mahalo for your consideration and for your dedication to our community.
coma,.
Aloha, ' G
Calista Engdahl Ref. TO. -
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