HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0399.006 2024-2026From:
HIFTF Admin
Sent:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 12:38 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
In strong support of Bill 71 - A lifesaving measure in every community: Wky Hawaii
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County must require Naloxone in our liquor serving establishments.
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Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice 'Chair Onishi, and County Council Members: v o-<
My Name is Kapono Kekela, and I am the Coordinator of the Hawaii Island Fentanyl Task..Eorc(^, ,N"
working to raise awareness on Fentanyl poisoning, overdose prevention, and substance usa 33
treatment. I am speaking today to urge our Hawai'i County Council to enact Bill 71, a lifesd+ ing iool to
combat the opioid epidemic.
Alcohol is the most accessible and common substance involved in polysubstance overdose deaths.
Individuals often consume alcohol alongside opioids, whether it be prescription painkillers, heroin, or
fentanyl. Alcohol serves as a potentiator, amplifying the effects of an opiate, which increases an
individual's risk of fatal respiratory failure. A person doesn't have to be an "addict" to be at risk —it
could be a family member, friend, college student, tourist, or community member.
We are proud to share 5 reasons why it is important to pass Bill 71:
1. Immediately Saves Human Lives: Preventing death, Naloxone is a safe, easy -to -use
antidote that can restore breathing to someone experiencing an opioid overdose within
minutes.
2. Reduces First Responder Burden: While EMS will always be critical, a bartender or
manager can administer naloxone in the crucial first two minutes, stabilizing the situation until
paramedics arrive. This allows our police and fire departments to remain available for other
emergencies.
3. Demonstrates Community Responsibility and Care: Adopting this policy sends a powerful
message that our community values the health and safety of every single person within it. It
positions our local businesses as leaders in public safety and responsible hospitality.
4. Destigmatizes Substance Use Disorders: Normalizing the presence and use of naloxone
helps to break down the shame and secrecy that surrounds addiction. It frames overdose
response as a basic medical skill, much like CPR, which encourages more people to seek help
without fear of judgment.
5. Protects Businesses and Patrons: A fatal overdose on a premises is a profound human
tragedy and also carries significant legal, reputational, and emotional consequences for
business owners and staff. This policy is a layer of protection for them, empowering their team
to act in a worst -case scenario.
Bill 71 is a public health response to a pervasive threat. Just as we require fire extinguishers to
combat fires and defibrillators (AEDs) to respond to cardiac arrests, we must equip our community
with the tools to stop preventable overdoses.
It is a low-cost, high -impact policy that places human life above stigma and convenience. Let us
choose to be a community that is prepared, compassionate, and unwavering, in our co ' ent to
protect one another. Comm.
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Ref. Date
I strongly urge you to pass Bill 71.
Mahalo,
Kapono Kekela
KAPONO KEKELA
HIFTF Coordinator
►I Kapono@HIFTF.org
® (808) 990-0346
® www.HIFTF.org
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