Question: How can I find out about those prescription drug take-backs? When is the next drop-off event?
Answer: The next opportunity to safely get rid of unwanted, unused or expired prescription medication is April 30 (a Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii island and Kauai. The coordinated events are part of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies’ National Take-Back Initiative.
Disposal is free and anonymous — there are no questions asked, according to a news release from the state Department of the Attorney General, which partners with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the state Department of Public Safety’s State Narcotics Enforcement Division to coordinate the events.
Pills, capsules and all other solid forms of medication will be accepted. Needles and syringes will not be accepted, regardless of whether they are new or used, according to the news release.
Here are some collection points. Others may be added.
Oahu:
>> State Capitol, drive-through option at 415 S. Beretania St., Honolulu
>> Kahala Mall (inside mall), 4211 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
>> Pearl City Police Station (parking lot), 1100 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City
>> Mililani High School (parking lot A, near cafeteria), 95-1200 Meheula Parkway, Mililani
>> Windward Mall (inside, near the food court entrance), 46-056 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe
>> Marine Corps Exchange (in front of entrance), Marine Corps base in Kaneohe (must have base access).
>> Army and Air Force Exchange Service Post Exchange (inside, near flower shop), Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa (must have base access)
>> Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange (main lobby), 4725 Bougainville Drive, Honolulu
Hawaii island:
>> Ka Waena Lapaau Medical Complex (upper parking lot), 670 Ponahawai St., Hilo
>> Hawaii County Police Department, Kona station (parking lot), 74-0611 Hale Makai Place, Kailua-Kona
Kauai:
>> Kauai Police Department (parking lot), 3990 Kaana St., Lihue
Maui
>> Maui Police Department (parking lot), 55 Mahalani St., Wailuku
Authorities encourage Hawaii residents to clear out their medicine cabinets of unneeded prescription drugs and bring them in for careful disposal by the law enforcement agencies, which they say is better for the environment than throwing the medication in the regular trash or flushing it down the toilet. In addition, having such medication on hand raises safety risks in a home, such as the chance of accidental poisoning or the potential for misuse or abuse of the prescription drug, according to the news release.
The DEA and other agencies coordinate these events on a regular basis, roughly twice a year. You can stay up to date by checking dea.gov and following the links to information about drug take-back events. The site includes a search function that will allow you to find the most convenient drop-off site. You may also call 1-800-882-9539.
Statewide, nearly 20,000 pounds of drugs have been collected and disposed of during 10 previous Take-Back events from 2010-2015.
Mahalo
I wanted to say mahalo to Jasen. I had just started to head home from Unity Church when I realized I had a flat tire. I was a little worried because I had just had a surgery and wasn’t sure I had the strength to change the tire on the van. I lifted the back door and was figuring how to get the spare out when Jasen came over and said, “Let’s get this job done.” He literally changed the tire for me on a busy street. It turned out he had just finished the Sunday race and was waiting for his wife and preschool son. They pleasantly joined us with encouraging words. What a nice family. Thank you. — Bruce
Mahalo
I was walking my dog one afternoon last month by the old Macy’s in Kailua when I tripped over my dog leash. I want to thank Makana who held on to my dog while I was on the ground and could not get up, a woman with a stroller who called 911 and an ER nurse shopping at a farmers market who came to assist me. There were a lot of other people helping me too. I wish to thank them all for the kindness. Mahalo to everyone. — Tutu and her dog Jenna
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.
