The following statement was released in joint by Hawaii Legislators regarding the petroleum detected in water systems on Oahu:
“Today’s Department of Health announcement on the results of the water quality tests showing water contamination in military housing in our area is totally unacceptable. We are extremely concerned that residents who rely on the U.S. Navy’s water system are reporting associated health issues as well as property loss. Not enough is being done by the Navy to address this situation. We urge the Navy to significantly increase the aid and resources it is providing to affected families including greater amounts of potable water, increased transportation resources to accessible hygiene facilities, support for impacted area schools, facilitating insurance claims for damaged property, and most importantly, ensuring healthcare services and treatment options for affected health individuals and families. The increasing frequency of Red Hill-related fuel leaks and associated adverse community impacts demand immediate attention and action by the Navy and a clear change of course.
We strongly urge the Navy to provide a full report on their next steps, as well as regularly apprising the public of any further test results of the associated area water delivery systems, Red Hill aquifer, and any other Red Hill-affiliated issues. We urge the Navy to be much more transparent and forthcoming in its communications with our constituents and the public on this and all Red Hill-associated developments and updates.”
Signed by Hawaii State Senators Glenn Wakai (Foster Village, AMR, Halsey – Moanalua Terrace, Pearl Harbor), Donna Mercado Kim (Moanalua, Red Hill, Halawa), Bennette Misalucha (Pearl Harbor, Lower Halawa, Aiea, Pearl City) and State Representatives Aaron Ling Johanson (Red Hill, Moanalua Gardens, AMR, Halsey – Moanalua Terrace, Foster Village), Linda Ichiyama (Moanalua Valley, Salt Lake, Aliamanu) and Sonny Ganaden (Pearl Harbor), and Councilmembers Radiant Cordero (Foster Village, AMR, Halsey – Moanalua Terrace, Pearl Harbor, Salt Lake), Carol Fukunaga (Moanalua, Red Hill, Halawa), and Brandon Elefante (Aiea)