OAHU: Once in a while, the Stars and the Moon and the Sun line up and right decisions happen. Add to that, the tipping point of an epic disaster, election time, and public demand for accountability of this very neglected and ignored issue. Environmental Groups and the public have been raising concerns about this for years!

These underground tanks were built around 1940. These underground tanks were used to store fuel for use at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam to refuel ships, aircrafts and assisting in the Pacific-Indo areas.

Building the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Tanks Was a Good Idea Then

“Conceived in the early years of World War II as a plan to bury four fuel containers horizontally in a hillside at the U.S. Navy facility at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Facility ultimately encompassed the design and construction of 20 vertical storage tanks – each large enough to contain a 20-story building – buried in the volcanic hillside and connected by tunnels to a harbor-side pumping station more than two-and-a-half miles away.

Using existing rock as a construction shell, the project made use of innovative mining and construction methods that included building each tank from a central vertical shaft drilled 30 feet in diameter and removing all excavated rock through an elaborate system of conveyor belts specially made by the Goodrich Tire Company. Protecting more than 250 million gallons of fuel used by Navy fleets around the world, the Red Hill facility has operated virtually unchanged since its completion.“

The Red Hill Fuel Tanks Have Expired Useful Life Span

For every project, there is a Useful Shelf Life attached to it. These underground fuel tanks are beyond its life-span. Their deteriorating metal tanks through the years and other factors are leakiing contaminations into the drinking water in the area. Military families and children and civilians are suffering the consequences of disruptions, including health problems.

For many years, Mr. Ernie Lau, the Board of Water Chief Engineer, has been voicing serious concerns about the potential contamination of Oahu’s drinking water. He was the voice in the wilderness. Environmental groups like Sierra Club have also raised concerns. But their advocacy fell on deaf ears till the tipping point happened recently.

The Pentagon and Navy Needs Support as Well

The military made the right decision with this direction. We must also support the military in its efforts to protect national security by exploring alternatives. Whether we like it or not, we have enemies in this world. Being prepared is part of national security. Peace comes from strength. And being prepared.