Justice Moves Forward: 2 Civilians Face Indictment for Pearl Harbor Fuel Disaster

In Honolulu, a federal grand jury has indicted two civilian workers on charges related to the 2021 Pearl Harbor fuel leak that contaminated drinking water and affected thousands of residents.

John Floyd, 63, formerly the Navy’s fuels department deputy director, and Nelson Wu, 38, previously the fuels department’s supervisory engineer, face accusations of providing false information to the Navy regarding a fuel spill in May 2021. This misinformation allegedly led to the Navy misleading the Hawaii Department of Health about the extent of the leak.

The indictment claims that Floyd and Wu’s actions occurred six months before a significant fuel leak contaminated the drinking water supply, sickening approximately 6,000 people during Thanksgiving of 2021. Both men are charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and with causing false statements to be made to the executive branch.

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On May 6, 2021, a reported 20,000 gallons of jet fuel spilled due to pipeline coupling failures at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. When questioned by Navy officers about the accuracy of the spill volume data, Floyd and Wu allegedly maintained that only 1,618 gallons had spilled into the tunnel, with the remainder staying in the pipeline.

This case raises important questions about accountability and transparency in military operations affecting civilian populations. The water contamination incident in November 2021 impacted an estimated 93,000 people, primarily military families, leading to widespread relocation and a months-long advisory against drinking the water.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in March 2022 that the Red Hill site would be permanently closed, following pressure from state officials, the Hawaii congressional delegation, and extensive community opposition.

If convicted, Floyd and Wu face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge. Their arraignment is scheduled for Friday before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth Mansfield.