A preliminary analysis by the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) detected petroleum product in water samples from one site on the Navy Water System affected by fuel-like odors.
Samples from Red Hill Elementary School were collected Tuesday. They were analyzed at a lab at the University of Hawai‘i and tested positive for a petroleum product. The Red Hill Elementary School results are preliminary. Samples have been sent to Eurofins Scientific in California for further analysis.
DOH has received more than 175 complaints to date. Complaints remain limited to users of the Navy water system.
The DOH recommends all Navy water system users should avoid using the water for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene. Navy water system users who detect a fuel-like odor from their water should avoid using the water for drinking, cooking, bathing, dishwashing, laundry or oral hygiene (brushing teeth, etc.). This recommendation will remain in place until DOH receives and analyzes results from Eurofins Scientific.
DOH investigators continue to collect samples for analysis daily and provide technical recommendations to the Navy.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14 – Kapālama, ‘Ālewa, Kalihi Valley, Ft. Shafter, Moanalua Gardens & Valley, portions of Hālawa and ‘Aiea) issued a statement today regarding the potential water contamination of the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) water system:
“I am very disappointed in the Department of Health (DOH) and the United States Navy for the lack of transparency and accountability in distributing timely information to the public on this serious matter. The conflicting information released by both agencies is frustrating and has caused much confusion and distress for residents in my district, many of whom are being affected by this potential contamination.
Despite multiple attempts to gather accurate information to share with my constituents, I have not received clear guidance from any agency on what areas receive water from the JBPHH water system. Public health and safety must remain a top priority and I strongly urge DOH and the Navy to distribute accurate information to the public as soon as possible.
With Red Hill, Nimitz, Mokulele, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Harbor Kai, Hickam and Iroquois Point elementary schools also impacted, I urge the Department of Education to consider measures to keep students and teachers safe.”
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