HILO, Hawaii — On Thursday, Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth announced the Department of Liquor Control distributed over 700 doses of Narcan spray to dispenser licensees, including bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs and other establishments, according to a news release.

Narcan spray, also known as Naloxone, is an FDA-approved medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses.

The voluntary distribution aims to ensure the well-being of patrons by equipping licensed establishments with the potentially life-saving tool. It was done in cooperation with the State of Hawaii’s Department of Health, the Office of the Attorney General and the Kumukahi Health and Wellness Center.

“It was really the action by Ocean’s nightclub in Coconut Grove, who administered Narcan to two individuals that ended up saving their lives, which really spurred us into action,” said Hawaii County’s Department of Liquor Control Director Gerald Takase in the release. “With our community partners, we were able to get this done and hopefully be prepared for any more such incidents.”

Mayor Roth added, “The safety and well-being of our residents and visitors are of utmost importance to us. By equipping our dispenser licensees with Narcan spray, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing potential opioid-related emergencies.”

The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 28 on Wednesday that requires certain venues to keep Narcan onsite. The measure now awaits Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s signature.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.