On November 20th 2021, the drinking water supply for those living at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was littered with jet fuel. Over 14,000 gallons of jet fuel was found leaking out at the Fuel Storage Facility in Oahu. 

The Halawa Shaft, Oahu’s largest water supply, was shut down by the Board Water Supply on December 2nd after the news spread about the massive contamination. The spill was cleaned up but the residents of the Joint Base think otherwise. Many people have been saying that there is an odor emanating from the water and some have reportedly gone to hospitals for vomiting and cramps caused by the water. 

It was recorded that since the Fuel Storage Facility opened up back in 1943, there have been at least 73 fuel leaks and approximately 180,000 gallons of fuel spilled. When asked how he would feel if his water had been as contaminated as it is at the Halawa Shaft, senior Luke Hulbert had this to say, “I would be appalled by this, I would be so upset with the facilities and the town at the poor upkeep of the drinking water supply.” 

The facilities massive steel tanks that run underground have become corroded over time and have claimed to be inaccessible to maintain. With that said, the facility holds 180 million gallons of fuel, resting 100 feet above a groundwater aquifer that supplies 77% of the island’s water. To eliminate the possibility of the leaking happening, a double protective wall would be required. The only problem with that is the Navy spoke to the Civil Beat and said the costs of double-walling the tanks is not justified, but they will find a solution to the fuel leaks by “around 2045”. 

Even though a solution may not be found for quite some time, the Navy has done a very good job in cleaning the drinking water at a rapid pace. After nearly two months of contaminated drinking water sickening thousands, Hawaii’s state Department of Heath declared tap water in the Pearl Harbor neighborhood safe for consumption. Monday, February 13th, 2022, marked the day that the Red Hill neighborhood: 135 homes and an elementary school can finally drink tap water again. Although it is not the entire region of Oahu, there is progress being made. 

However, eighteen other neighborhoods surrounding Red Hill still have contaminated water and the Navy is working vigorously to change that. The future is bright for the Oahu population as the Navy’s aid and potential double-wall-protection can pave the way for a cleaner, less-polluted lifestyle.