HONOLULU (KHON2) — The University of Hawaiʻi launched their Red Hill Registry on Aug. 2, with an awareness event at Moanalua High School.
The purpose of the registry and the event is to provide support for those impacted by the 2021 fuel release into the Navy’s drinking water system on Oʻahu.
UH’s Red Hill Registry was created to track health outcomes and connect community members exposed to the toxic water with support and other resources. The program was developed through the collaboration of the UH System Office of Strategic Health Initiatives and community members.
“What I hope is that people will really feel connected and they have a community,” Director of UH’s Office of Strategic Health Initiatives and principal investigator Aimee Grace said. “If they have some sort of need, whether it’s a health need or whether it’s a social service need, they can come to us and we can help navigate that process and find the resources they need.”
For Red Hill Registry Director Rosana Weldon, the program is essential for affected individuals so they may have the proper help entitled to them.
“It’s extremely important that anybody who experienced the Red Hill water crisis enroll in the registry,” Weldon said. “That way we can get the most comprehensive data so that we can really start to determine whether there are links between the jet fuel exposure in the drinking water and any health outcomes.”
The Red Hill Registry Launch and Community Fair was a family-friendly event that showcased informative booths, keiki activities, food and educational opportunities for attendees. Additionally, several support service providers and community-focused organizations were present for guidance.
In addition to providing support for those affected, the registry looks to study the long-term effects of the fuel released, with anyone who lived, worked, attended daycare or studied in affected areas invited to participate.
Even if individuals have not experienced any adverse health issues, UH still encourages them to participate.
For more information on the registry, visit their website.