Navy hit with $1.2 billion lawsuit from Honolulu regarding water contamination

Honolulu Water Supply Committee Sues US Navy Over Contamination

On Tuesday, the Honolulu Water Supply Committee (BWS) initiated a federal lawsuit against the US Navy, demanding over $1 billion in damages. This comes in response to the release of oil and other toxic substances into Oahu’s primary drinking water source.

In an incident in November 2021, approximately 27,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from a mile-long underground tunnel into an aquifer near the Pearl Harbor Hickam joint base, impacting around 93,000 residents near the military’s fuel storage area.

While the Navy has accepted some responsibility for the environmental crisis, BWS asserts that it has refused to cover the $1.2 billion in costs associated with addressing the Navy’s pollutants.

BWS stated that many residents relying on the Navy Water System have been severely affected by the contamination, compromising their ability to provide safe water to the community.

Reports indicate that some residents are experiencing long-term health issues, such as Parkinson’s disease and seizures.

In response to the spill, BWS has closed its Harawa shaft and various wells to protect against further contamination. They’ve also enhanced water quality testing and are exploring additional groundwater monitoring options while seeking alternative water sources.

BWS estimates the total costs for restoration and mitigation efforts at around $1.2 billion. Board members emphasize their duty to minimize these costs for Oahu residents, indicating that the Navy must be held accountable for its failure to prevent the release of contaminants.

The filing of the lawsuit comes after a previous claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which was denied by the Navy earlier this year. There is a deadline for filing complaints that expires on July 10.

According to BWS’s manager and chief engineer, Ernestrau, addressing this issue will not be quick or inexpensive. He insists that every necessary measure must be taken to protect Oahu’s water quality, and it’s reasonable for the Navy to bear financial responsibility for its actions.

BWS board chair Nāhālehu Anthony mentioned that the lawsuit represents a “last resort” after unsuccessful negotiations with the Navy and attempts to recover expenses. The ongoing commitment to safeguarding water resources, alongside financial responsibility, led to this legal action.

As the largest water operator in Hawaii, BWS serves roughly 1 million residents on Oahu. In May, a federal judge awarded $700,000 to more than 12 families who claim to have fallen ill due to the fuel contamination, with over 7,500 military families also pursuing pending lawsuits.