Richelle Dietz, a mother of two and the wife of a U.S. Navy officer stationed in Honolulu, is among 17 individuals suing the U.S. government due to health issues allegedly caused by a jet fuel leak in 2021. The family has been spending over $120 a month on bottled water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes, as well as using filters for showerheads and sinks. The children carry bottled water to brush their teeth each night, showcasing their constant vigilance in avoiding health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and rashes that they claim were a result of the tainted water.
Dietz’s family is among thousands of military housing residents that were affected by the jet fuel leak into the Navy water system serving 93,000 people on and around the Pearl Harbor base. She and her entire family, including their dog, continue to experience health issues they believe are linked to the contaminated water. The U.S. government has admitted liability but disputes the extent of exposure and the resulting health problems. The outcome of the trial involving Dietz and the other plaintiffs will help determine the success of over 7,500 other cases and the damages that could be awarded.
Upon their arrival in Hawaii in 2021, the Dietz family initially thought they were moving to a paradise. However, after the jet fuel leak, they started experiencing stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with their neighbors. They also noticed rashes and a burning sensation in their throats, indicating the presence of fuel in their tap water. The families believe that Navy officers failed to warn residents about the contaminated water, with some staff members even continuing to drink it. The trial will shed light on these allegations and determine accountability.
The fuel storage tanks above an aquifer supplying water to 400,000 people have been a subject of concern for Native Hawaiians and residents, fearing leaks that could impact the broader water supply. The fuel entered the water system as a result of a series of errors, including a pipe rupture in May 2021 that spilled a significant amount of fuel. Although the tanks have been drained following state orders, ongoing protests, and outcry, the impact on affected residents remains a pressing issue. Dietz and her family are preparing to move to Jacksonville, Florida, this summer, but as they depart from Hawaii, they hope to raise awareness about the water crisis that befell them.
Throughout the ordeal, Dietz found unexpected allies among Native Hawaiians who have a shared reverence for water as a sacred resource. The water crisis brought together affected military families and the Native community, forging a sense of solidarity amidst challenging circumstances. Despite feeling abandoned by the military, Dietz acknowledges the support received from the Native community, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing the environmental impact on both military families and local residents. As Dietz looks toward the future in Florida, she remains hopeful that the trial will bring attention to the water contamination issue and prevent future incidents from affecting families like hers.
