Kauai County is the first in the state to take legal action against the makers, marketers and distributors of opioid pain medications.
It's a step forward in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction in the islands.
“Opioid abuse is a serious issue and threat to our community, and the time for action is now,” Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said. “To be clear, this is not a fight against hospitals or medical providers. We are pursuing litigation against manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of opioid pain medications who have irresponsibly spread this terrible epidemic upon our community.”
County officials announced the suit Wednesday. With the support of the county council, the administration is seeking relief for civil penalties, treble damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs, officials said.
The specific amount of relief is undisclosed, and will be proven at trial.