Lawsuit Seeks Stronger Rules For Red Hill Fuel Storage Tanks

State says it already is drafting more stringent regulations for the facility near Pearl Harbor.

By /

 (AP) — The Sierra Club of Hawaii is suing to compel the state to develop new rules for underground fuel storage tanks like those that leaked at the Navy’s Red Hill facility on Oahu.

Director Marti Townsend says existing rules don’t comply with state law and should be rewritten.

Deputy Attorney General Wade Hargrove says the state Department of Health is already drafting stronger rules.

Security fence at Red Hill Underground Fuel Facility. 1.29.14 ©PF Bentley/Civil Beat
A security fence at the Red Hill underground fuel tank facility. PF Bentley/Civil Beat

Senior Environmental Court Judge Jeffrey Crabtree said Wednesday he will aim to rule by late October on whether to dismiss the case.

The Navy has 20 giant storage tanks near Pearl Harbor. The 70-year-old tanks sit on an aquifer critical to Honolulu’s water supply.

The Navy in 2015 signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state to upgrade and fix the tanks over 20 years.

Help power essential news and information

As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of need. Your support ensures that we can pivot when emergencies arise and get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.

Support timely and accurate breaking news stories as well as impactful coverage across the state. Donate today.

Give now

About the Author