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Poison in Paradise: A Scripps News special report

Scripps News returns to Hawaii to hear from a community that's still dealing with the effects of a jet fuel spill from a U.S. Navy facility in 2021.
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Families are suing the U.S. military after it mistakenly leaked 19,000 gallons of jet fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility into their drinking water in Hawaii, forcing thousands from their homes. Lingering health concerns and public outrage have fueled locals to demand justice — even if that means taking on the U.S. Navy.

US Military starts long-awaited defueling process in Red Hill
People hold signs in front of the Hawaii State Capitol during a rally calling for the closure of Red Hill

US Military starts long-awaited defueling process in Red Hill

It’s the start of a long process to stop the bleeding after thousands of gallons of jet fuel leaked in late 2021.

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Tonight, Scripps News hears from Hawaii Governor Josh Green on the recovery effort, and on how the spill strained relations between Hawaii and the military.

We explore the troubling aftermath of the extensive spill, track the U.S. Navy's response to the incident, and break down the steep costs to the community.

And we speak with people who now worry they'll be sick for life — about their demands, their outrage and their fight for accountability and justice.