The Natural Resource Trustees for the Chevron Pearl Harbor Pipeline Oil Spill of 1996 are pleased to announce the Final Restoration Plan Addendum/Supplemental Environmental Assessment (PDF, 19 pages). This document serves as an update to the 1999 Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) (PDF, 142 pages) for the 1996 oil spill in Hawaii. The plan outlines the Trustees’ goals to use the remaining settlement funds to complete the Pouhala Marsh Enhancement Project selected in the Final RP/EA, and to reimburse the Trustees for the costs of additional restoration planning and administration. The funds are part of a $2.5M settlement to restore environmental damage caused by the spill of at least 39,000 gallons of bunker fuel oil from a Chevron Products Company pipeline adjacent to Pearl Harbor.

Background of the Spill

On May 14, 1996, a Chevron pipeline near Pearl Harbor ruptured, releasing over 39,000 gallons of oil into the adjacent waters of East Loch. The released oil entered the nearby Waimanu Stream, flowed downstream and entered the East Loch of Pearl Harbor. This spill caused extensive damage, affecting approximately 2,290 acres of open water and impacting vital wetland habitats, shorelines, and recreational areas. On September 13, 1999, the Department of Justice entered a Consent Decree valued at $2.25 million to resolve federal and state claims for natural resource damages associated with the spill. The case Trustees will use most of these funds to support this and other restoration projects described in the 1999 final restoration plan.

The Path Ahead

Following the release of the final restoration plan, we have made substantial progress. The newly announced Final Restoration Plan Addendum outlines how we will allocate the remaining settlement funds. The Pouhala Marsh Enhancement Project will be accomplished in two phases, over five years that include:

• Phase I- construction of an 8-acre pond designed to create a new habitat for waterbirds such as the Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian coot. This pond will enhance water retention and foster a thriving wetland environment
   
• Phase II- expansion of the waterbird habitat and wetland ecosystems through community-driven activities. We will conduct monitoring surveys in the Pouhala Marsh and manage invasive vegetation using specialized equipment. This phase aims to optimize the habitat for waterbirds and encourage community involvement and educational opportunities

The Pouhala Marsh Enhancement Project represents more than ecological restoration. It embodies our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. By revitalizing these habitats and involving the public, we are addressing the long-term impacts of the spill and fostering a deeper connection between the community and the natural world.

Public Input

The Draft Restoration Plan Addendum, released in September 2021, has already incorporated valuable public feedback. We remain dedicated to transparency and invite continued participation and support as we move forward with these initiatives.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to restoring and preserving our natural resources. Together, we are making a meaningful difference for the environment and future generations.

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