HONOLULU — The color purple will illuminate Honolulu Hale from sunset on Aug. 31 to sunrise on Sept. 1 per the request of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.
The annual event raises awareness about the impact of drug overdoses and to remember the lives lost to addiction. Lighting the Honolulu Hale in the color purple will serve as a reminder of the fight against opioid addiction and the importance of supporting those affected by substance use disorders, according to a release from the mayor’s office.
“Honolulu stands in solidarity with communities worldwide in recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day,” said Blangiardi in a statement. “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.”
Last year, Blangiardi signed Bill 28, CD1 into law, which requires all Oahu bars, nightclubs and restaurants that serve alcohol to carry the opioid overdose treatment Narcan Nasal Spray. This made Honolulu the first major U.S. city to require Naloxone in high-risk venues.