Thank you to the Star Advertiser for running my letter to the editor. Relocating these fuel tanks away from the threat to our water supply must be a priority.
"Risks are too great to approve Red Hill permit"
It was shocking to read that a hearing officer still recommended the Navy get its state permit to operate the Red Hill fuel tanks despite concluding that the risk of potential pollution to Oahu’s sole aquifer is real (“Approval of Red Hill permit recommended despite risks,” Star-Advertiser, Sept. 12).
It was even more shocking to read that this recommendation was made after the Environmental Health Administration said the Navy hasn’t proven it can safely operate the tanks.
The 2014 leak of 27,000 gallons of fuel caused by human error shows this is no longer a threat but a real possibility. Why are we even playing a game of Russian roulette with our water supply? I would compare it to holding an old, rusty metal gas can full of fuel over the only water supply saved up during a hurricane.
It’s time we hold the military accountable for its environmental impact in Hawaii and stop settling for the short end of the stick.
Sergio Alcubilla
Pauoa Valley
Original source can be found here.
