User:WikiTopDonor/Red Hill Fuel Tank Leak

November 20, 2021 Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility Leak
On November 20, 2021, at 5:00pm HST, United States Navy employees were faced with another leak from the Red Hill Fuel System.

Summary of Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility
The United States Navy’s Red Hill Fuel System comprises 20 tanks capable of containing approximately 250 million gallons of fuel in total, although today only 18 out of those 20 are operational (Redhill)(Sierra). The Red Hill Fuel system was Created in the 1940s. They are located underground inside of Red Hill on Hawaii’s Oahu island, and on top of an aquifer that delivers 77%. President Roosevelt’s administration decided to construct this system underground to protect it from attacks that would occur if it was above the surface. Through a 2.5 mile long tunnel, the fuel is transported to Pearl Harbor for the use of all branches of the department of defense.

History of Leaks
The Red Hill Fuel System has leaked 73 times, most notably, 27,000 gallons in 2014 which make up for 15% of the estimated 180,000 gallons total leaked since 1943.

Public's Response
The recent leak of November 20th, 2021 has led to peaceful protests that demanded the Navy to shut down the Red Hill Fuel System and move the facilities away from any natural water sources. Approximately three weeks after the leak on December 10th, the State Capitol was the scene of a 250 person die-in. In addition, there was marching, sign holding including phrases such as “Thanks but no Tanks” “Remove the Tanks” and “Stop Polluting our aquifer”.

Outside of the headquarters of the Commander of the United States pacific fleet, many gathered and constructed a ko’a. A ko’a is a marker of a spiritually significant location. These protestors used large stones to create a mound of sorts with a tall red carved object placed on top. The object was surrounded by plants, and on the ground a barrier with a path leading to the mound made of stones. The protesters also planted two plants on opposite sides of the barrier.

In order to spread awareness, new of this incident was posted and shared on social media, namely Instagram captioned with hashtags such as #redhill and #shutdownredhill which can be viewed by users who search up the hashtag.

Members of the public who were interviewed expressed outrage directed at the Navy and concern for their health.