Navy investigates possible fuel leak at Red Hill

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Navy says it is investigating a possible fuel leak from one of the storage tanks located at The Red Hill Underground Fuel-Storage Facility.

It noticed a discrepancy with the level of a tank containing aviation fuel on Monday. They're investigating the situation, but say at this time there is no hazard to the public.

The Navy says it immediately began transferring fuel to another tank at the facility. That transfer process may take up to five days to complete.

Samples of ground water and drinking water in the vicinity have been collected and are being thoroughly tested. The Navy says that state, city and federal agencies were promptly notified and are working with Navy officials to closely assess and monitor for any environmental or public health impacts.

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (HBWS) has been notified of the possible fuel loss and investigation. HBWS is doing its own separate monitoring and investigation. Wells in the vicinity have been shut down as a precautionary measure.

The storage facility was built in the hillside in the 1940's. One vertical tank is about 20 stories high and can hold 12 million gallons of fuel.