60 Minutes: Military families feel betrayed over Navy response to jet fuel-tainted water at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii base

60 Minutes looks into a significant event that occurred at the Pearl Harbor base in Hawaii, where a jet fuel spill near the drinking water system caused turmoil among military families. The segment begins by highlighting the sense of betrayal felt by these families, who were assured by Navy leadership that the tap water was safe, only to later discover that it was contaminated with jet fuel.

The focus then shifts to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, a secret site built inside a mountain to protect Navy fuel reserves. The facility's construction, spanning almost three years, is described, emphasizing its massive scale and strategic importance.

The segment proceeds to detail the military toxic exposure incident that occurred at Red Hill, involving the release of 20,000 gallons of jet fuel into the Navy's water system. Despite initial reassurances from the Navy, residents began noticing problems with the water's odor and quality, prompting concerns about its safety.

Further investigation revealed the extent of the contamination, leading to health issues among residents, including respiratory problems, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. The Navy's handling of the situation, including delayed acknowledgment of the contamination and inadequate response measures, comes under scrutiny.

Efforts to address the contamination, such as medical support and the closure of the Red Hill facility, are discussed. However, questions remain about the long-term impact on health and the accountability of Navy leadership. The segment highlights ongoing legal battles led by Kristina Baehr of Just Well Law, and the quest for restitution from the government.

Ultimately, the segment underscores the profound impact of the incident on affected families and the need for comprehensive solutions to address their concerns and restore trust. It also raises questions about the future safety of similar military facilities and the responsibility of government agencies to ensure the well-being of service members and their families.

Watch on CBS's 60 Minutes.