KAILUA-KONA — The County of Hawaii is asking the public to report discarded syringes or needles to the Hawaii Police Department — while avoiding touching or handling the hazardous waste items.
A form to report discarded syringes and needles has been created, to facilitate safe retrieval.
The form is posted on the county’s website at http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/report-discarded-syringes. People who find syringes or needles may also call the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.
Mayor Harry Kim recently comprised a task force to tackle the issue of drug use in public parks. The form is one of the first steps in an attempt to crackdown.
No one besides trained staff should touch or handle this hazardous waste, which could be drug-laced or infected.
The county is also developing a program involving the installation of “amnesty sharps disposal bins,” which are tamper-proof boxes for the disposal of syringes or needles.
The bins will be installed at public restrooms at parks and other facilities.
Info: Leilani Maxera of the CHOW Project at 852-3273.