HI HB240

Establishes a new chapter creating overdose prevention centers in Hawaii where individuals can safely consume pre-obtained drugs and receive harm reduction services including sterile injection equipment, wound care, and referrals to treatment and health services.

Authorizes the Department of Health director to designate facilities as overdose prevention centers and establish standards including eligibility requirements, harm reduction services, personnel qualifications, safety measures, and location restrictions (minimum 750 feet from playgrounds or schools).

Creates an Overdose Prevention Center Oversight Committee to monitor designated centers and requires annual reporting on participant numbers, overdoses reversed, emergency services contacts, deaths, and referrals to other services.

Provides criminal immunity for participants possessing pre-obtained drugs and authorized objects at designated centers, and for staff members distributing authorized objects and managing used needles/syringes in the course of their duties.

Amends existing drug paraphernalia and dangerous drug statutes to create exemptions allowing acquisition, possession, and dispensing of authorized objects at overdose prevention centers and removing criminal liability for possession of used needles containing drug residue within designated centers.