To help reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse, the Hawaii Police Department encourages the public to participate in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative on from 10 am. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
During this time, members of the public can turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications at the following collection sites for safe, anonymous disposal:
— Ka Waena Lapa‘au Medical Complex parking lot (670 Ponahawai St. in Hilo);
— Kona Police Station in the inside lobby (74-0611 Hale Maka‘i Place in Kailua-Kona).
Tablets, capsules and all other solid-dosage forms of medication will be accepted. Vape or e-cigarette devices will be collected only after batteries are removed. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted.
Illicit substances, such as marijuana or methamphetamine, are not a part of this initiative.
Having unused and expired medicine in the home increases the risk of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisoning. Proper disposal also helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs entering a human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
In addition, as part of the state Department of Health’s Medication Drop Box Program, prescription medications also can be dropped off year-round at eight district police stations: Hilo Police Station at 349 Kapiolani St.; North Hilo Police Station at Puualaea Homestead Road, Laupahoehoe; Honokaa Police Station at 45-3400 Mamane St.; Waimea Police Station at 67-5185 Kamamalu St.; Kapaau Police Station at 54-3900 Akoni Pule Highway; Kona Police Station at 74-611 Hale Maka‘i Place; Naalehu Police Station at 95-5355 Mamalahoa Highway; Puna Police Station at 15-2615 Keaau-Pahoa Highway.
For more information about the drug take-back program, visit www.takebackday.dea.gov.