Military Families Sue U.S. for Fuel-Contaminated Water
Honolulu, Hawaii – Richelle Dietz, a mother of two and wife of a U.S. Navy officer stationed in Honolulu, is among the 17 plaintiffs suing the U.S. government over a jet fuel leak that sickened thousands of people in 2021.
The lawsuits allege that the leak from World War II-era storage tanks contaminated the Navy’s water system, leading to a range of health problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, seizures, memory loss, anxiety, eczema, and asthma.
The government has admitted liability for the leak, but disputes the extent of exposure and resulting health issues.
A Bellwether Case
The trial, which began Monday, is considered a “bellwether” case, as its outcome will significantly impact the success of the other two federal lawsuits filed on behalf of more than 7,500 military family members, civilians, and service members affected by the tainted water.
A Decade of Concerns
The fuel storage tanks have been a source of ongoing concern for Native Hawaiians and residents, who have raised concerns about leaks threatening the broader water supply. The tanks are located above an aquifer that delivers water to 400,000 people in Honolulu.
A Series of Mistakes
The 2021 leak was the result of a cascade of errors that started with a ruptured pipe due to operator error. The spilled fuel was contained in a fire suppression line until a cart rammed into the line, releasing 20,000 gallons of fuel into the water system.
A Sacred Resource
Dietz and other affected families have found support from Native Hawaiians, who revere water as a sacred resource and have a deep mistrust of the U.S. military. The water crisis has forged a sense of solidarity between military families and Native activists.
Moving On
Dietz’s family is relocating to Jacksonville, Florida, this summer, where they will live off-base. Dietz remains hopeful that the trial will raise awareness about the incident and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As she leaves her home where the ice maker has been off since 2021, she worries about the unsuspecting families who may move in and unknowingly expose themselves to contaminated water.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
