Do you have access to clean drinking water? Studies show that consuming contaminated water is a crucial contributor to deaths worldwide. Drinking polluted water can cause the contraction of microorganisms that lead to illnesses like cholera, polio, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Contaminated Water
Water is a basic need for every household worldwide – for drinking and domestic household purposes. Access to clean water involves good sanitation and quality water sources.
But sadly, Hawaii has a water contamination problem caused by jet fuels leading Hawaiian families to sue the US government.
The Cause of Contaminated Drinking Water
According to recent news, four families filed a case against the US government for infecting clean water in Oahu. The suit alleges that the US negligence has resulted in mental and physical injuries. The families confirm that jet fuel leaks have denied them access to clean water.
Honolulu is one of the prominent cities in Hawaii with Defence facilities, and the source of the Oahu pollution is the Navy Red Hill facility.
The leaking of jet fuel from the sunken tanks in Pearl Harbor has poisoned the water in the region, affecting thousands of people, including Honolulu residents and military families. The underground tanks from the World War II period hold excess fuel, and investigations suggest the facility’s closure to end further poisoning.
How Residents React
Statistics show that 93,000 people are victims of tainted water around military bases. The most notable water contamination case was at the Camp Lejeune Marine base.
More than 100,000 Hawaii families lack access to clean drinking water. Some residents around the leakage areas have moved to look for new settlements. Based on current testimonials, a mother of one explains the situation as ‘scary’ for her family—vomiting and skin rashes are the symptoms of drinking infected water that she and her family experience.
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Other Hawaii residents and complainants considered participating in public awareness to push for justice. A public rally was held at the Hawaii State Capitol, where people held signs stating “Shut Down Red Hill” to motivate the government to close down the fuel facility near Pearl Harbor.
Case in Action
The two firms involved in the case include Honolulu-based Hosoda Law Group and Just Well Law, with the case filing occurring in the District of Hawaii under the Federal Torts Claims Act.
The complainants include the Wyatt, Feindt, Simic, and Freeman families. The law act of the case highlights that the US will take accountability for possible damages.
Kristina Baehr, the attorney representing the families in this case from Just Well Law, told USA Today News that her role is to help the families receive compensation. Also, she argues that the only way to push the US government to make a change is by holding them accountable. Even though the US knew about the polluted state of the water, the families did not receive any warning. This negligence by the government puts the health of the Hawaiian people at risk.
Amanda Feindt, a military member, also acknowledges Kristine’s arguments about the case, stating that it’s ‘monumental’ because of the lack of responsibility from the US.
The officials of the Navy failed to apologize to victims of water pollution. Amanda is a victim and agrees that her family cannot afford the medical coverage she needs. She says, “Our only option is to file a lawsuit.”
Effects of the Jet Fuel Leakage on Families
Fuel has a high percentage of petroleum compounds which are harmful to the body. Exposure to petroleum also causes difficulty in breathing, headaches, and other chronic illnesses. Residents also worry that jet fuel leaks will lead to cancer.
In May and November 2021, Red Hill reported jet fuel leakage of about 19,000 gallons. As a result, chemicals entered the clean water sources in Hawaii, contaminating the drinking water. The law firm recognizes that the second leak was due to ‘carelessness’ by the operators.
When the leaking started, the Navy neglected to inform the Hawaiian residents. As a result, people dependent on tap water were at risk of health problems.
Amanda acknowledges that living on a military base should make you feel safer. But in this case, the government did not report or announce any public health issues. Amanda and her family were not aware of any fuel leakage news until they began having symptoms. She and her family have never been the same since consuming contaminated water. Furthermore, when Amanda’s family reported their sickness, the military did not complete toxicology testing.
The Case Goes On
While the case is ongoing, many Hawaiian families still suffer from consuming contaminated water. The government holds that the water is safe, but residents continue to report health symptoms. Amanda strongly believes that the government will be held responsible for the suffering of Hawaiian families, “My thought is, if you’re poisoned by the military, you’re covered by the military for life.”
References
https://www.epa.gov/red-hill/what-red-hill-bulk-fuel-storage-facility
