Public Health

Red Hill

Red Hill Fuel Pump Room
U.S. Navy photo by Daniel Mayberry

In November 2021, an underground storage tank at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Oahu, Hawaii began leaking jet fuel – specifically, jet propellent-5, or JP-5 – into the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) water distribution system. On November 28, 2021, residents began reporting foul-smelling tap water, and some residents also reported symptoms ranging from vomiting and headaches to unexplained rashes. About 93,000 people were affected, including service members and their families.

Red Hill emergency response

After the fuel leak occurred, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Navy, Army, and the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) worked together to restore safe drinking water to the homes and workplaces. This effort included flushing of the entire water system. The Navy completed the removal of fuel from the underground tanks in March 2024.

EPA investigated the water quality at JBPHH in October 2023 and February 2024. As a result of these investigations, EPA recommended “improved communication and follow-up with residents regarding water quality concerns” and an extension of the Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring program. To learn more about EPA’s activities related to Red Hill, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) website here.

HDOH conducted an assessment of the impact on the health of community members shortly after the incident. They noted that community members had inhaled vapors from the contaminated water “that were strong enough to make people feel sick, including symptoms like headaches, nausea, and eye or throat irritation;” however, they concluded that “people exposed to contaminated drinking water in this incident are not expected to experience long-term health effects based on current information, but investigation is ongoing.” Read HDOH’s report on JP-5 exposure from the Red Hill leak here.

Red Hill health investigations

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Diesease Registry (ATSDR), which is part of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with HDOH, has conducted three Assessments of Chemical Exposure (ACE) from 2022 to 2023 to look at health effects of the contaminated water.

• First ACE investigation (January-February 2022)- Report noted that "nearly 90% of participants reported at least one new or worsening symptom following the fuel exposure, including neurological, gastrointestinal, skin, and mental health effects," and that "improvement after switching to an alternate water source."
• Second ACE investigation (August-September 2022)- Reported that "80% of respondents self-reported experiencing one or more symptoms in the past 30 days," suggesting that symptoms my linger.
• Third ACE investigation (February-March 2023)- At the request of the Department of Defense (DoD), ATSDR reviewed military health records to evaluate health effects in service members present during the fuel leak. The results have not yet been published.

ATSDR is also conducting a full Public Health Assessment, which will look at both recent and past exposures since 2005. Learn more at the ATSDR Red Hill Public Health Assessment webpage.

VA and DoD have sponsored a study to be conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on possible long-term health effects of the fuel leak. They will review the science on JP-5 exposure, hear from impacted communities, and recommend healthcare and policy actions for VA and DoD. A report on the committee’s findings is expected in spring 2026. To stay updated on this study, visit NASEM’s website.

DoD is developing a Red Hill roster in its internal Defense Occupational and Environmental Readiness System (DOEHRS) database that includes all military members, their families, DOD civilian employees, and DOD contractors who were present at JBPHH during the fuel leak. Since it is linked to the VA/DoD Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER), providers from VA and DoD can access information about this exposure when caring for patients that were present. Learn more about the DoD activities related to Red Hill here.

Additionally, the University of Hawai’i Red Hill Independent Health Registry, will enroll potentially impacted individuals and follow their health over time. This community-centered effort aims to guide future research and outreach. To learn more, visit the Red Hill Independent Registry website.

Red Hill and how VA can help

If you or someone you know is concerned about health problems potentially associated with the Red Hill Bulk Storage Facility jet fuel leak, talk to your health care provider or contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator.

If you feel that your health has been impacted by your service, VA encourages you to file a claim for disability compensation. These claims are considered on a case-by-case basis.