Hawaii plaintiffs join contaminated drinking water lawsuit against US government prompted by Navy fuels leaks News
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Hawaii plaintiffs join contaminated drinking water lawsuit against US government prompted by Navy fuels leaks

As of Thursday, more than 100 people have joined a lawsuit against the US government concerning water contaminated with jet fuel. The plaintiffs seek legal remedy under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which provides for compensation for personal injury, death, or property loss or damage from a negligent or wrongful act of an employee of the federal government.

The suit was originally brought in August by four plaintiffs living in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the time of the contamination. The complaint states that the US Navy negligently released jet fuel and other toxic substances into the Navy water line in May 2021 and in November 2021, resulting in the contamination of the drinking water near the World War II-era naval fuel storage facility in Red Hill, Hawaii. The Navy allegedly did not report the issue until December 2, 2021.

Plaintiffs report symptoms including seizures, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological issues, migraines, rashes, burns and thyroid issues, and some have undergone surgeries to ameliorate health issues caused by the ingestion of the jet fuel. The complaint also stated that at least one adult in each affected family had to halt their employment or military service to deal with the illness their families experienced as a result of ingesting the contaminated water.

Approximately 9,715 households were affected by the spill.