High-ranking Navy official downplays tainted water issue, saying it’s ‘not a crisis’

TL;DR - A Navy official disclosed that far more fuel leaked from the Navy’s tanks than was previously revealed back in the spring. It may be the same contaminant that sickened hundreds last month and made water still unusable for thousands on Oahu.

“Do you consider the events at Red Hill to be a crisis,” said Ella Foley Gannon, Honolulu Board of Water Supply attorney.

“An urgent and compelling situation perhaps. Not a crisis,” said Balocki.

“Yes, it is a crisis any time we affect our service members,” said Capt. Meyer.

“I would describe a crisis a compelling threat to human life. I’ve been in combat so I know what crisis looks like. This is a situation that can be remedied with the resources that can be brought to bear,” said Balocki.

December 23, 2021: High-ranking Navy official downplays tainted water issue, saying it’s ‘not a crisis’, Hawaiʻi News Now