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Inspiring individuals to reclaim and enrich their
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Kea`au Administrative Office
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16-179 Melekahiwa Street
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Kea`au, Hawaii 96749 June 25, 2025
P: (808) 969-9994
F: (808)969-7570 Hawaii County Council
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Hilo Outpatient Treatment
Aloha Chair and Councilmembers, -
297 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
My name is Dr. Hannah Preston -Pita, and I serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the
P: (808) 935-4927
Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC), a community -based behavioral health
F: (808) 934-8067
organization with over 60 years of service on Hawaii Island. I also serve on the Hawaii
Island Fentanyl Task Force.
I am writing in strong support of Bill 71, which would require bars across Hawaii
Board of Directors
County to maintain a supply of naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the
Chief executive officer
effects of an opioid overdose. This ordinance is timely, necessary, and grounded in sound
Hannah Preston -Pita
public health practice.
President
Vanessa Carlson
At BISAC, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the opioid crisis in our
communities. Naloxone is a simple, safe, and highly effective intervention that can mean
Vice President
the difference between life and death. Making it accessible in bars, settings where
Catherine Kamau
substance use may occur, ensures that staff and bystanders can respond quickly in the
Finance Chair
event of an overdose.
David De Luz Jr.
BISAC has been at the forefront of naloxone distribution on Hawaii Island. We currently
Secretary
operate two naloxone vending machines at our sites and are committed to expanding
Shorri Thornton
access to this life-saving tool. The implementation of Bill 71 represents a critical harm
Members
reduction strategy, just as AEDs are placed in public spaces for cardiac emergencies,
Dr. Lissandra ealdan-Jenkins
naloxone should be available where overdoses are most likely to happen. No one should
David 9ishaw
lose their life because naloxone wasn't within reach.
Ross Wilson
Mahalo to Councilmember Hustace for introducing this important measure. We
espectfully urge the Council to pass Bill 71 and reinforce Hawaii County's commitment
to public safety and community wellness.
Sincerely,
ar k. *, it annah Preston -Pita, Psy,D. Ed, D., CSAC, NCTTP
Chief Executive Officer
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