Military families in Hawaii ignite lawsuit trial over 2021 jet fuel leak that tainted water

In a landmark environmental lawsuit unfolding in Honolulu, Hawaii, the consequences of a military fuel facility disaster are being examined. More than two years ago, a leak from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility tainted Pearl Harbor’s drinking water with jet fuel, causing a public health crisis.

This week, a judge will preside over a bellwether case – a lawsuit representing thousands of others – filed by 17 individuals against the U.S. government. These plaintiffs, a mix of military families and service members, allege the government breached its duty of care by allowing the contamination to occur.

While the U.S. has admitted the spill caused “nuisance” and acknowledges harm to the plaintiffs, the extent of that harm is debated. The government contests the severity of residents’ health issues, which range from skin irritation to digestive problems.

In contrast, the plaintiffs’ testimonies detail a range of debilitating illnesses linked to the water contamination, including seizures and balance disorders. Nastasia Freeman, a military spouse, describes the initial symptoms as flu-like but quickly escalating to a frightening experience for her entire family, including their pets.

The lawsuit claims military officials intentionally downplayed the severity of the situation, failing to warn residents about the contaminated water. Freeman’s statement reflects a widespread sense of betrayal: “We were essentially lied to. We knew the water was unsafe, yet they insisted it was okay.”

A Navy investigation revealed a chain of errors dating back to May 2021, when a piping malfunction caused a significant fuel spill. Much of this fuel remained undetected for months within a fire suppression system before a secondary accident released it into the water supply.

Public outcry and state intervention ultimately forced the military to commit to defueling the Red Hill tanks, which threaten the water source for hundreds of thousands of Honolulu residents. This trial holds significant weight, potentially setting a precedent for future compensation claims.

“A bellwether trial helps attorneys to understand the likely success or failure of the cases that are in the pipeline,” Loretta Sheehan noted, a personal injury attorney based out of Honolulu who is not involved in the litigating the water trial.

“The outcome can help determine future damages to be awarded or settlements,” she concluded.