The Hawaii Police Department is encouraging the public to take part in a nationwide prescription drug take-back initiative on Saturday between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications can be turned in at the following collection sites for safe, anonymous disposal: Ka Waena Lapa‘au Medical Complex parking lot, 670 Ponahawai St., Hilo; and Kona Police Station, 74-0611 Hale Maka‘i Pl., Kailua-Kona.
Tablets, capsules, and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted. 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 your 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.
Prescription medications may also be dropped off year-round at each of our eight district police stations: Hilo Police Station, 349 Kapiolani St., Hilo; North Hilo Police Station, Puualaea Homestead Rd., Laupahoehoe; Honokaa Police Station, 45-3400 Mamane St., Honokaa; Waimea Police Station, 67-5185 Kamamalu St., Waimea; Kapaau Police Station, 54-3900 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kapaau; Kona Police Station, 74-611 Hale Maka‘i Pl., Kailua-Kona; Naalehu Police Station, 95-5355 Mamalohoa Hwy., Naalehu; and Pahoa Police Station, 15-2615 Keaau-Pahoa Hwy., Pahoa.
For more information about the drug take-back program, visit www.dea.gov.