Hawaiʻi operates the nation's first statewide syringe exchange (since 1990) under HRS §325-114. Honolulu hosts multiple drop sites and pharmacy take-back locations for safe sharps disposal.
HRS §325-114 authorizes DOH to run needle exchange programs, and Hawaiʻi was the first US state to do so statewide in 1990. The Community Health Outreach Work program (CHOW) operates exchange sites across Oʻahu, including Chinatown and Waipahu. Residents may drop sealed sharps containers at participating pharmacies, fire stations, and DOH-designated sites at no charge. Loose syringes in household trash violate ROH Chapter 9 solid waste rules and pose worker injury risk. Diabetic patients and tattoo artists must use rigid puncture-resistant containers. Honolulu Department of Environmental Services rejects sharps-contaminated curbside refuse.
Improper disposal of sharps in regular trash is a sanitation violation carrying fines from $100 to $2,500 plus potential civil liability for worker injuries.
See how Honolulu's syringe disposal rules stack up against other locations.
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