News Roundup: January-March 2025
- Admin
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Red Hill Quarterly Update: January to March 2025
The first quarter of 2025 brought both progress and setbacks in the ongoing Red Hill saga. From new leadership appointments and funding wins to continued frustrations around Navy accountability, the community remains vigilant in safeguarding Oʻahu’s water supply. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments from January to March.
New Leadership and Federal Support
Governor Josh Green appointed a new member to the Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management, a move intended to bolster local oversight. Hawaii News Now reported on the appointment as a step toward stronger water management amidst the ongoing Red Hill crisis.
Federal involvement also ramped up, with EPA Administrator Zeldin visiting Red Hill to discuss cleanup efforts. The visit, part of a broader tour including Maui wildfire recovery, reinforced the federal commitment to transparency and collaboration. Read more from the EPA here.
Red Hill Registry Moves Forward
After months of planning, the Red Hill Health Registry began to take shape, with experts from the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) leading the charge. In a February meeting, medical professionals discussed tracking long-term health impacts on affected residents, inspired in part by lessons learned from the Flint water crisis. Pre-enrollment has started, and the community is encouraged to participate via the official registry website.
Navy Accountability and Community Frustration
While progress continues on paper, public frustration remains palpable. One flashpoint was the EPA’s decision to fine the Navy and Defense Logistics Agency $5,000 for skipping a community meeting — a violation of a consent order related to the Red Hill spill. Stars and Stripes covered the fine, which community members saw as a symbolic but necessary step.
The Navy Closure Task Force’s ongoing video series offered updates, but attendance at community forums remained inconsistent, fueling public distrust. Catch the latest update from the Task Force’s “Let’s Talk Red Hill” series on March 27 and February 6.
Studies Reveal Ongoing Concerns
Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi conducted a dye tracer study at Red Hill to better understand groundwater flow patterns, vital for assessing contamination risks. Hawaii News Now reported that the study’s findings could inform future cleanup strategies and community safety measures.
In another development, a long-delayed Red Hill illness study was finally released, revealing a troubling delay of over six months in publication. As discussed on Hawaii News Now, the findings point to potential long-term health impacts, sparking renewed calls for consistent medical support for affected residents.
Reactivating Water Sources: More Debate
Controversy erupted when the Navy announced plans to reactivate a water source for military communities, drawing swift criticism from local leaders and residents. Hawaii News Now covered the backlash, with many expressing fears that previous contamination risks had not been fully addressed.
During the March BWS Board Meeting (video), community members voiced strong opposition, drawing parallels to past mismanagement at Red Hill.
Leadership and Accountability in Question
In February, a Navy whistleblower who had previously raised alarms about Red Hill contamination expressed dismay after an Inspector General report seemingly cleared military leaders of wrongdoing. Hawaii News Now covered the reaction, where the whistleblower maintained that serious leadership failures had yet to be addressed.
Looking Ahead: Hope and Skepticism
Q1 of 2025 made it clear that the Red Hill crisis is far from over. While positive steps like the Red Hill Registry give hope for long-term health monitoring, ongoing debates over water source reactivation and leadership accountability keep tensions high. Community members continue to advocate for transparency and lasting solutions, emphasizing that clean water is a fundamental right, not a negotiable commodity.
