What is NARCAN^®/Naloxone HCl?

NARCAN^®/Naloxone HCl is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes. (https://www.narcan.com/home#what-is-narcan)

When will I be required to carry NARCAN^®?

Bill 28 (2023) CD1 requires two (2) doses to be carried on the premises of included businesses by January 1, 2024. 

As one of the Included Businesses above, where can I get my NARCAN^® starter kit of two (2) doses?

Included Businesses can go to the Honolulu Liquor Commission’s Office (711 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 600, Honolulu, HI, 96813) to receive a free starter kit (two doses) starting on August 1, 2023, while supplies last. Included Businesses will only be offered starter doses. For more information, visit the Honolulu Liquor Commission website at https://www.honolulu.gov/liq/.

Do I need to bring anything with me before I go down to the Honolulu Liquor Commission Office to pick up my starter kit?

Licensees and Authorized agents should bring a photo ID.  If you were sent to our office by your Licensee or General Manager, bring your Liquor Card.  

If I use up all my starter doses, where can I get additional NARCAN^® kits?

• Non-profit agencies, such as the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC), free of charge to the community.
• NARCAN^® currently costs $30.94 for two doses and can be bought online or in person at any local pharmacy.  

What is the shelf life of NARCAN^® doses?

What do I do if I think someone is having an overdose?

According to the HHHRC, if you believe someone is having an overdose, you should:

1. Check for response;
2. Call 911;
3. Perform rescue breathing; and
4. Administer NARCAN®/Naloxone HCI.

What is my responsibility as a “blue card holder” while on duty at an Included Business?

Bill 28 requires that all blue card holders (managers/assistant managers) be trained in the administration of NARCAN^®.  It is their responsibility to familiarize themselves with opioid use and the use of the NARCAN® kits, using any of the excellent online resources, to include:

• Hawaiʻi Opioid Initiative website:  https://www.hawaiiopioid.org/prevent-overdose/
• HHHRC Overdose Prevention website:  https://www.hhhrc.org/overdose 
• HHHRC Training Modules:  Online Naloxone Training Module (ispring.com)
• Written instructions on use of NARCAN^®:  NARCAN Instructions (from narcan.com)
  
• From the manufacturer:  Opioid Overdose Treatment – NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray

Note:  Any person who provides or administers naloxone pursuant to Bill 28 (2023) CD1 is subject to the protection from liability of HRS §663-1.5(a).  

Why are liquor-licensed establishments like bars and nightclubs considered “high risk”?

Combining alcohol and opioids is never safe, even when the opioids are prescribed. According to many public health experts, mixing the two can increase the chance of impaired motor control, respiratory arrest, and fatal overdose.

Consequently, places that serve alcohol are at a higher risk of an overdose occurring on their premises. For example, a patron who has been legitimately prescribed an opioid by a doctor may feel it is safe to drink but – if there is a negative interaction between the two substances – could experience an overdose in a liquor-licensed establishment.

How prevalent are opioid overdoses in Hawaiʻi?

Between 2018 and 2020, Hawaiʻi experienced an almost 500% increase in the number of fatal overdoses – and it is only getting worse. Honolulu’s Emergency Services Department (EMS) has reported that they receive calls for opioid overdoses at least once a day.