Attorney Kristina Baehr expressed disappointment with the awarded amounts, which ranged from $5,000 to over $104,000, significantly lower than the $225,000 to $1.25 million she had sought.

While the government acknowledged liability for the spill, it contested the extent of exposure that could lead to health problems, including symptoms like vomiting and rashes experienced by residents.

U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi ruled that the families were sickened by contaminated water, but noted there was insufficient evidence to establish a direct link to their specific health issues.

The spill prompted significant public outcry, leading to the military's decision to drain the tanks and close the facility, a process that was completed last year.

The leak, which occurred in May 2021, involved over 20,000 gallons of fuel that went unnoticed for six months before contaminating a drinking water well, impacting approximately 90,000 people.

The 17 families served as bellwether plaintiffs, representing approximately 7,500 others whose lawsuits against the government are still pending resolution.

The jet fuel leak originated from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, built in the 1940s, which stores millions of gallons of fuel in underground tanks.

Following the spill, military families reported a range of health problems, including skin peeling, stomach pain, and respiratory issues, with some suffering from ongoing conditions like seizures and asthma.

On May 8, 2025, a federal judge awarded over $680,000 to 17 families affected by a 2021 jet fuel leak into the Navy drinking water system in Hawaii, marking a significant legal precedent for additional pending lawsuits.

A subsequent Navy investigation revealed failures in emergency response and communication regarding the safety of the drinking water, leading to public health complaints shortly after the incident.

The awarded amounts were a fraction of what the plaintiffs had hoped for, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice among those affected by the contamination.