Janice R. Andrews
A Hawaii military family has been tormented by health concerns since a jet fuel spill in 2021, and they are one of 17 families of US military troops who are suing the US over the event.
Richelle Dietz, the wife of a US Navy officer, described their hardship, which included spending more than $120 per month on bottled water and suffering from illnesses such as vomiting and rashes.
The leak, which originated in World War II-era storage tanks at Pearl Harbor, affected over 93,000 individuals. The government admits accountability but disputes the level of exposure. The outcome of the next trial will have implications for thousands of additional claims in which plaintiffs claim significant health concerns such as seizures and memory loss.
Dietz’s family, who were originally happy with their move to Hawaii, began experiencing stomach aches and rashes shortly after the leak. They found gasoline in their tap water, raising questions about the Navy’s response and the safety of military housing.
The incident sparked camaraderie among impacted military families and Native Hawaiians, who have always distrusted the military. The military eventually drained the tanks under pressure from state officials and protesters.
As the Dietz family prepares to leave Hawaii, they hope that the trial will raise awareness about the water situation and avoid more injury.
