In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding potential contamination of local water sources stemming from the Red Hill fuel facility. Council members discussed alarming findings of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected in monitoring wells, including one located approximately half a mile from the facility. This has prompted fears that contaminants may be migrating underground towards the Kaumila Wells, which currently supplies nearly one million gallons of water daily to the Aiea community.

Ernie Lau, the water manager, emphasized the urgency of the situation, recalling a previous decision made in late 2021 to shut down three wells due to similar contamination risks. He expressed the difficulty of facing another potential shutdown of the Kaumila Wells, which would significantly impact the community's water supply. Lau underscored the importance of prioritizing public health and transparency from the Department of Defense regarding the extent of leaks from the Red Hill facility, which has a history of holding up to 250 million gallons of fuel.

The council members called for increased monitoring and testing, including the establishment of more monitoring wells and frequent assessments for various contaminants, including PFAS and total petroleum hydrocarbons. A proposal for third-party testing was also discussed, highlighting the need for independent verification of water safety.

As the situation develops, Lau indicated that a decision regarding the future of the Kaumila Wells would be announced soon, stressing the critical nature of the community's health and safety in the face of potential contamination. The council's commitment to addressing these pressing environmental concerns reflects a broader urgency to safeguard local water resources amid ongoing contamination risks.