Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors on Monday filed lawsuits against opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma, its related entities, “and certain key executives,” according to a press release from her office.

The lawsuit also targets opioid manufacturers and distributors Malinkrodt PLC, Endo Health Solutions, Inc., Actavis PLC, McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation and related entities.

The lawsuit is seeking damages and penalties for alleged violations of Hawaii’s Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Law.

Flickr: Sharyn Morrow

“The opioid epidemic is a national tragedy, and those who caused this problem should be held accountable,” Connors stated. “We will aggressively litigate this case to ensure that Hawaii’s taxpayers are not alone in shouldering this burden.”

The Hawaii lawsuits come on the same day that Attorney General Karl Racine of the District of Columbia, Attorney General Xavier Becerra of California and Attorney General Aaron Frey of Maine filed individual suits against Purdue Pharma.

All told, more than 40 others and about 2,000 local and tribal government have filed lawsuits against Purdue “for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic.”

According to Connors’ office, opioid deaths, hospitalizations and treatment services “have risen significantly over the last several years.”

The lawsuits “are a necessary part of the State’s reaction to the problem.”