Hawaii House Bill HR80

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Defense And The Secretary Of Defense To Release Reports On The Defueling Progress Regarding The Red Hill Fuel Tanks Every Week Until Completion.

Impact

The resolution calls for the Department of Defense to expedite the decommissioning of the facility and to ensure transparency with weekly updates. These reports are expected to be communicated beginning May 5, 2022, and will provide ongoing oversight of the defueling process until completion. The regular dissemination of this information is designed to keep relevant state and local authorities informed, including the Governor of Hawaii, the Department of Health, and local water management entities, thereby addressing community concerns regarding water safety and environmental protection.

Summary

House Resolution 80 (HR80) urges the U.S. Department of Defense and the Secretary of Defense to provide weekly reports concerning the defueling progress of the Red Hill Fuel Tanks. Built during the 1940s, the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility consists of twenty underground tanks located above the Southern Oahu Basal Aquifer, which serves as a primary drinking water source for Oahu. In response to a fuel leak in November 2021 that contaminated local water sources, resulting in the evacuation of military personnel and families, the U.S. Defense Department announced plans to permanently shut down the facility in March 2022.

Contention

However, the decision to decommission the Red Hill Fuel Tanks has not been free of contention. Stakeholders express varying perspectives on the pace and communication from the Department of Defense regarding the defueling process. Community members and environmental advocates emphasize the urgency of transparency and action to mitigate further risks to the aquifer, while military representatives might focus on logistical challenges and the operational implications of decommissioning such a significant facility. This situation highlights the balancing act between military operations and environmental stewardship.