Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Representative Adrian Tam (D-24, Waikīkī) issued the following statement today:
“I extend my heartfelt condolences for the tragic drug overdose incident that occurred in Waikīkī, resulting in the loss of multiple lives, and hospitalization of others. The officials' identification of fentanyl as a potential cause deeply concerns me, highlighting the national opioid epidemic that has already claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands. Moreover, the alarming surge in opioid-related overdoses within Hawaiʻi is a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention. It is imperative that we confront this crisis with utmost seriousness to safeguard the safety and well-being of our community.
I support several measures that have been put forth to combat the opioid crisis, including the passage of Senate Bill 671 during this legislative session. It is our hope that the Governor will sign this bill, as it seeks to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. This crucial step enables us to address substance use disorders as a matter of public health rather than as a crime. Furthermore, I support Bill 28, introduced by Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, which will require nightclubs and other high-risk venues to maintain doses of naloxone spray in case of an opioid overdose. Such proactive measures can save lives and protect the well-being of individuals in our community.”
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