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Question: You used to say when and where we could drop off old prescription drugs. That is useful information for us family caregivers whose kupuna die and also for younger people whose prescriptions change. My grandson has allergies, and they tried a few different medications before they found the best one. So we have unused pills. How do we dispose of them?
Answer: You’re referring to the National Take-Back Initiative (NTBI), a community disposal event that occurs twice a year. Kokua Line publicizes the information each spring and fall, before the event, which is organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with state law enforcement partners.
The fall date is this Saturday. Anyone with unused or expired prescription medication may drop it off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations on Oahu, Hawaii island, Kauai and Maui, anonymously and with no questions asked.
Only solid prescription medications such as tablets and capsules will be accepted; no liquids or aerosols. Needles and syringes won’t be accepted, either, regardless of whether they are new or used.
Here are the drop-off locations, according the state Attorney General’s Office, a partner in the initiative, with the DEA and the state Department of Public Safety.
Oahu
>> State Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St.; drive through from Beretania Street
>> National Guard Armory, 3949 Diamond Head Road; parking lot
>> Pearl City station of Honolulu Police Department, 1100 Waimano Home Road; parking lot
>> Town Center of Mililani, 95-1249 Meheula Parkway; parkway side of mall
>> Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Highway; inside mall near food court
>> Marine Corps Exchange, Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe; must have base access
>> Schofield Barracks Post Exchange; inside near flower shop; must have base access
>> Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange, 4725 Bougainville Drive; main lobby
Hawaii island
>> Ka Waena Lapaau Medical Complex, 670 Ponahawai St. in Hilo; upper parking lot
>> Kona station of Hawaii Police Department, 74-0611 Hale Makai Place in Kailua-Kona; parking lot
Maui
>> Maui Police Department, 55 Mahalani St. in Wailuku; parking lot
Kauai
>> Kauai Police Department, 3990 Kaana St. in Lihue; parking lot
If you live on Oahu and miss Saturday’s event, you’ll have another chance Nov. 4. The Leeward Discovery Fair/Celebrate Safe Communities at Leeward Community College will have a prescription-drug collection site in the parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, according to the state AG.
The law enforcement agencies that coordinate NTBI emphasize that improper use of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drug use; having unnecessary prescription medication in your home can increase the risk of misuse. It also increases the risk of accidental poisoning, with children and seniors especially vulnerable, according to the AG’s office.
Q: I am not on Social Security, but I am starting to pay more attention. What is the “taxable maximum”?
A: The maximum earnings on which an individual pays Social Security taxes in a year. The “taxable maximum” is now $127,200 but will rise to $128,700 in 2018, according to the Social Security Administration.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the generous cyclist at the Beretania Times who paid for my groceries Oct. 16. Imagine my surprise when the cashier told me the gentleman in front of me had paid my bill. This marks a milestone in my life as that was the first time any unknown person had ever paid for my groceries. I’m sorry I didn’t get your name. What a heartwarming gesture. It made my day. Many thanks. — The white-haired grandma
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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