The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the successful completion of operations by the Joint Task Force – Red Hill (JTF-RH) in safely defueling the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, as mandated in DOH’s May 2022 Emergency Order. In a letter addressed to Vice Admiral John Wade and Rear Admiral Stephen Barnett, DOH's Deputy Director for Environmental Health Kathleen Ho expressed gratitude to JTF-RH for the safe removal of 104 million gallons of fuel from the facility.
Deputy Director Ho emphasized the ongoing commitment of DOH to oversee the Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill (NCTF-RH) in the permanent closure of the facility and the remediation of the aquifer. She stated, "Although we concur that the JTF-RH’s defueling obligations are complete, there is still much work to be done to permanently close the Red Hill facility and remediate the environment." Deputy Director Ho further highlighted the expectation for NCTF-RH to carry out these tasks with the same level of diligence and community involvement demonstrated by JTF-RH.
The focus now shifts towards the next steps in ensuring the closure of the Red Hill facility and the remediation of the aquifer under the oversight of DOH. The department remains committed to upholding environmental safety and protecting the community as the process moves forward.
This latest development underscores the importance of continued collaboration and diligent efforts to address environmental challenges and safeguard public health in Hawaiʻi.