A lawyer representing U.S. military families suing over a 2021 jet fuel leak into a Navy drinking water system in Hawaii is seeking damages ranging from about $225,000 to about $1.25 million each for the plaintiffs. The lawyer outlined specific amounts for each plaintiff, including compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, and therapy. The case involves 17 “bellwether” plaintiffs who are representative of more than 7,500 others, including service members, in three federal lawsuits, and the outcome could impact future damages or settlements for the other plaintiffs.
The government has admitted liability in the case, acknowledging that the spill at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility caused a nuisance and that the United States breached its duty of care, resulting in compensable injuries for the plaintiffs. However, government attorneys dispute whether the residents were exposed to jet fuel at levels high enough to cause the reported health effects, such as vomiting, rashes, seizures, asthma, eczema, and vestibular dysfunction. The plaintiffs shared how the water crisis affected their health and left them with ongoing medical issues.
The Navy investigation report from 2022 detailed a series of errors that led to the fuel spill, including an operator mistake causing a pipe rupture and the subsequent release of thousands of gallons of fuel. The spill predominantly affected a fire suppression line, causing further damage and subsequent releases of fuel. After state orders and public protests, the military agreed to drain the tanks, which are located above an aquifer supplying water to a significant population in urban Honolulu. The situation raised concerns about the safety of the water supply and the potential risk to public health.
The pending ruling from U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi will determine the outcome of the case and the damages to be awarded to the plaintiffs. Attorneys on both sides have until around July to submit additional closing briefs and respond to them. Despite the legal process, Judge Kobayashi expressed empathy for the plaintiffs and their families, acknowledging the challenges they have faced as a result of the water contamination. The lawsuit sheds light on the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of drinking water systems, particularly in communities where military operations may impact public health.
