Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Study Long-Term Health Consequences, Enhance Access to Federal Assistance for those Impacted by Red Hill Water Contamination
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined the Hawaii delegation in introducing the Red Hill Impact Act, bipartisan legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the long-term health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak.
“The Red Hill fuel leaks impacted and displaced hundreds of families and businesses,” said Senator Hirono. “Since then, we have worked to ensure that the people who were exposed to the contaminated water can access the health care and federal support they need and deserve. As the Navy continues its defueling process, it’s essential we collect and track data on those impacted by this crisis, to ensure they can receive the care they need now and in the future.
The Red Hill Health Impact Act, led by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI), would create a registry to track and collect health data from those exposed to the Red Hill fuel leak in consultation with the impacted community, and require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to work with health experts to conduct a 20-year study to assess the health impacts of those exposed to the water contamination. The bill also requires HHS to work with the State of Hawai‘i and other federal agencies to help identify any additional resources those impacted may have access to.
In addition to Senators Hirono and Schatz and Representative Case, the bill is cosponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI).
The full text of the bill is available here.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Hirono has worked closely with DOD leadership, community leaders in Hawaii, and her Senate colleagues to help ensure the safe and timely defueling and closure of Red Hill. In April 2023, Senator Hirono questioned U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leaders on enhancing accountability after the Red Hill fuel leaks and investing in military infrastructure during a full committee hearing. In December 2022, she joined the Hawaii delegation in calling for congressionally-initiated independent investigation into how DOD and the Navy responded to PFAS-based contamination events at Red Hill. In December 2022, Senator Hirono secured $1 billion in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act for defueling and closing Red Hill. In November 2022, Senator Hirono questioned a panel of leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs about VA’s plans to support servicemembers impacted by fuel leaks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.
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