Honolulu Hale Lit Purple to Mark Overdose Awareness Day on August 31

Mahalo to Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who issued a proclamation on August 29 recognizing Overdose Awareness Day and had city hall lit purple on the evening of August 31. 

H3RC Executive Director Heather Lusk, Deputy Director of Operations, Kavika Puahi, Development Director Andrew Ogata, Executive Coordinator, Heather Nakao, and Community Research Coordinator, Dr. Sophie Gralapp attended the ceremony. 

The proclamation noted the passage of Bill 28 in 2023, the first law of its kind in the nation, to require certain liquor-licensed businesses to carry nasal naloxone to counteract accidental opioid overdoses. 

“Honolulu stands in solidarity with communities worldwide in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day. By lighting Honolulu Hale in purple, we not only honor the lives lost to overdoses but also reaffirm our commitment to providing resources and support to prevent future tragedies. Together, we can bring greater awareness to this critical issue and work toward a safer, healthier future for all,” said Blangiardi in a statement covered by Spectrum News.