DEA Assessment:

Crystal methamphetamine is the drug of choice in Hawaii and is considered to be the most significant drug threat to the state. The widespread use of crystal methamphetamine has had a devastating impact on the Hawaiian economy and family structure. In addition, the drug’s presence has increased street violence and property crimes. Intelligence indicates that the majority of the crystal methamphetamine available in Hawaii is produced in Mexico and California. (1)

Methamphetamine Use among High School Students:

3.9% of students reported using methamphetamine one or more times during their life. (2)

Drug Offenses:

In 2007 there were 152 methamphetamine-related arrests made; 80% of all drug related arrests in HI. (1)

There was 44.7 kg of methamphetamine seized in 2010. (3)

Lab Incidents:

There were 0 lab incidents in 2010. (4)

There were 0 children endangered by meth labs in 2010. (5)

Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Abuse: (6)

1,834 treatment admissions for methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse in 2010;

27.7% of all drug abuse treatment admissions.

For additional percentages giving the breakdown of age at admission, race, ethnicity, and sex please Click Here

Legislation:

Has PSE Tracking Law (7)

POS Restriction: Quantity, Packaging, Display/Offer (8)

HB 35:

The purpose of this Act is to require a prescription for the purchase of products containing pseudoephedrine in order to reduce the risk to public health caused by the illegal manufacture, use, and sale of crystal methamphetamine.

To date this bill has not moved forward due to the passage of SB 40. (9)

SB40:

Stimulants. Unless specifically exempted or excluded listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of the following substances having a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomer^[^]: pseudoephedrine or any drug containing pseudoephedrine.

SECTION 2. Section 329-38, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

(a) No controlled substance in schedule I or pseudoephedrine may be dispensed without a written prescription of a practitioner.

SB 40 was amended to read. (b) Beginning January 1, 2012, before completing a sale of an over-the-counter product containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, a pharmacy or retailer shall electronically submit the information required pursuant to subsection a) to the National Precursor Log Exchange administered by the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators; provided that the National Precursor Log Exchange is available to retailers in the State without a charge for accessing the system. The seller shall not complete the sale if the system generates a stop sale alert. Absent negligence, wantonness, recklessness, or deliberate misconduct, any retailer utilizing the electronic sales tracking system in accordance with this subsection shall not be civilly liable as a result of any act or omission in carrying out the duties required by this subsection and shall be immune from liability to any third party, unless the retailer has violated this subsection, in relation to a claim brought for such violation.

The Governor has until mid-July to sign or veto the bill. (10)

1. ONDCP: State of Hawaii: Profile of Drug Indicators. http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/hi/hi.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Youth Online: High School YRBS. Available: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/YouthOnline/App/Default.aspx
3. National Meth Center; State Resources. Available: http://www.nationalmethcenter.org/STATES.html
4. Total of All Meth Clandestine Laboratory Incidents Including Labs, Dumpsite, Chem/Glass/Equipment. Available: http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/meth_lab_maps/2010.jpg
5. MethResources.gov; State Resources. Available:   http://www.methresources.gov/Index.html
6. Treatment Admissions Data. Available: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/tedsweb/tab_year_web_table?t_state=HI
7. PSE Tracking Law. Available: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/map-meth-by-state/
8. Point of Sale Restrictions. Available: http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs38/38661/app-b.htm#TableB5
9. House Bill 35. Available: http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/view/231797
10. Senate Bill 40. Available: http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/view/231875