Question: Isn’t there usually one of those prescription drug disposals at Kahala Mall around now? I know I can take it to DPS anytime, but I don’t care to go there.
Answer: Yes, Kahala Mall is one of nine Oahu drop-off sites in the National Take-Back Initiative, which is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a total of 13 locations on four islands. Two new collection sites have been added this year, in Kailua and Kahuku.
You can anonymously drop off unused or expired prescription medication, no questions asked. Tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of medication will be accepted. Needles and syringes (new or used) will not be accepted. Here are the collection sites, according to law enforcement agencies coordinating the initiative:
Oahu
>> Fire Station 18 Kailua, 211 Kuulei Road; parking lot
>> State Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St.; drive-thru from Beretania Street
>> Kahala Mall, 4211 Waialae Ave; inside mall near Kilauea Avenue entrance
>> Kahuku Police Station, 56-470 Kamehameha Highway; parking lot
>> Kapolei Police Station, 1100 Kamokila Blvd.; parking lot
>> Pearl City Police Station, 1100 Waimano Home Road; parking lot
>> Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange, 4725 Bougainville Drive; main lobby; must have base access
>> Town Center of Mililani, 95-1249 Meheula Parkway; Meheula Parkway side of center
>> Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Highway; inside mall, near the food court
Hawaii island
>> Hilo: Ka Waena Lapaau Medical Complex, 670 Ponahawai St.; upper parking lot at the corner of Ponahawai and Komohana streets
>> Kona: Kona Police Station, 74-0611 Hale Makai Place; parking lot
Maui
>> Wailuku: Maui Police Department, 55 Mahalani St.; parking lot
Kauai
>> Lihue: Kauai Police Department, 3990 Kaana St.; parking lot
As you indicated, the Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement Division has a prescription drug collection box available year-round on Oahu, at 3375 Koapaka St. No. D-100. Law enforcement agencies on Maui, Lanai, Molokai, the Big Island and Kauai have them, too. Go to hawaiiopioid.org and click on “take back” to find the closest permanent collection site.
We’ve heard from others like you who prefer the convenience and what they describe as a greater sense of anonymity at these group events. Medication collected Saturday will be incinerated.
Auwe
Auwe to the driver of the red 2007 Toyota sedan who changed lanes on the elevated airport exit, ran into my car on April 19 at 2:20 p.m. and then fled the scene. I got your license plate. A police report has been filed, and they will be looking for you. Good luck with future car registration and license renewal if you actually have them. — D.M.
Mahalo
My sincere apology for the delay to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the angels who saved my life Aug. 19 at Kalama Beach. On this particular day I decided to go surfing. I remember catching a wave in and dived off my board, not realizing I was diving into shallow water. From that I sustained a neck injury, leaving me temporarily paralyzed. I prayed to God that someone would see me and pull me out. My prayers were answered. That is when these angels immediately came to my rescue, called the ambulance and took my board for safekeeping. Sean was the only name I got since he left me his name and number so that I could pick up my board. To the doctor, nurse, Sean, lifeguards, ambulance team and all who came to my rescue, please know how grateful I am. Because of you I am alive today and enjoying life with my family and grandchildren. I pray that God will bless all of you and your family with good health, peace and happiness and keep you all in his loving care. — Tommy
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.
