Safeguarding Water in the Face of Crisis: Insights from Ernie Lau on the Red Hill Fuel Spill 

In a recent episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, host Piers Clark was joined by Ernie Lau, Chief Engineer at Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply. Their discussion offered a profound insight into the Red Hill Fuel Spill, a critical situation that continues to impact Honolulu’s water resources. With nearly 93,000 residents affected by the contamination, Lau’s recount of events underscores the perpetual challenges and uncertainties faced by public water utilities amidst environmental disasters.

The Journey to Leadership

Ernie Lau’s journey to becoming a pivotal figure in the effort to safeguard Honolulu’s water supplies began with his education at the University of Hawaii, where he studied engineering. After a brief stint in construction due to challenging job markets for newly minted engineers, he embarked on a career in public service, eventually taking up leadership roles within the Board of Water Supply starting in 1980.

Understanding the Scale of Red Hill

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, established in 1929, serves nearly one million people daily. Completely reliant on groundwater sourced from underground aquifers, the utility’s operations are deeply intertwined with the island’s natural geology. The enormity of the Red Hill Fuel Facility, built by the U.S. Navy in 1940, came into focus only after it posed a risk. Concealed within a mountain ridge, twenty massive underground storage tanks, each capable of holding 12.5 million gallons of fuel, introduced a ticking environmental time bomb situated precariously above vital water resources.

The 2014 Leak and Military Secrecy

Lau first learned about the potential threat in 2014, well after the facility’s construction had been declassified in the 1990s. His initial ignorance of the facility highlights the complexities introduced by military secrecy surrounding infrastructure with significant environmental impact. This secrecy delayed critical knowledge and response to the risks posed by the installation’s proximity to crucial aquifers.

The 2021 Crisis

Piers Clark and Ernie Lau’s discussion further unfolded the grim reality of the November 2021 leak at Red Hill. Coming amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the incident led to devastating consequences, necessitating evacuation and housing relocations for affected people. The crisis accentuated the vulnerability of the aquifers and the grave responsibility faced by those entrusted to manage and protect water resources.

Dealing with the Aftermath and Future Uncertainties

Today, responsibility for the fuel spill remains with the Navy, which has since emptied the tanks, removing over 104.7 million gallons of fuel. Yet, the extensive contamination that occurred during the facility’s operation casts a long shadow. Three wells remain shut down, as Lau grapples with uncertain underground fuel migration within the island’s porous volcanic rock.

Reflecting on Lessons Learned

Ernie Lau’s contemplations on hindsight reveal his unwavering dedication and commitment to better outcomes for the future. Despite the challenges, his proactive measures to protect the water supply and persistent advocacy have been invaluable to the people of Honolulu.

 Ernie Lau’s journey through crisis management presents invaluable lessons on leadership, foresight, and responsibility. On an island where “Water is Life,” as Lau rightly puts it, his stewardship remains crucial to the preservation of Honolulu’s most precious resource. As the situation unfolds, his dedication provides an inspiring example of resilience and advocacy in public service.