Kunia Frequently Asked Questions

This is a difficult question to answer. Many of us stationed here were never informed of the potential health risks and consequences of our exposure. Day after day, we soldiers shuffled in presuming a level of safety and security. Sadly, our command failed to perform the due diligence necessary to ensure the health of its soldiers. Had we been provided the very basics - communication, training and equipment - we would have been better poised to minimize our exposure. The symptoms associated with these toxins may take many years to develop; some crossing generational lines, now impacting the health of our children. Immediate symptoms may have included, and are in no way limited to: a persistent, dry cough; difficulty breathing; mental fog and/or confusion; fatigue and/or restlessness; skin lesions; and headaches. In time, these symptoms may develop into one of many debilitating (and often fatal) disease. A more in depth discussion of the identified toxins, their respective toxicity levels and potential impacts may be found on this site.  

In 1975, the Del Monte pineapple plantation on O`ahu made a fateful change in its management of soil fumigants. Until that time, the plantation had purchased the fumigants — used to control root nematodes — in metal drums, typically containing 50 or 55 gallons. In 1975, though, it began purchasing the primary fumigant it used, ethylene dibromide (EDB), in bulk shipments, which were stored in a 25,000-gallon tank hard by a drinking-water well at Kunia. Two years later, on April 7, 1977, the danger inherent in the new approach burst into full view. The flexible hose on the bulk container of EDB broke when Del Monte began to empty the EDB into its holding tank. According to a letter dated April 12, 1977, from the plantation superintendent, N.E. Blomberg, to the Hawai`i sales representative for Dow Chemical Co., manufacturer of EDB, the break was not noticed immediately: “Since this is a closed system of transfer and takes approximately one hour to empty no one stands by during this time. About five minutes after we started the emptying process the break was noted by our shop personnel who immediately shut the valve.” Blomberg calculated that, of the 2,648 gallons of EDB in the full container, 191 had been transferred into Del Monte’s tank and 1,962 remained in the bulk shipping container when the leak was discovered. Unaccounted for were 495 gallons, which had either soaked into the ground or evaporated, according to Blomberg. The area of the spill “is near our domestic water well,” Blomberg informed Dow. The well, only about 50 feet away from the spill site, supplied drinking water to more than 600 residents at Kunia Camp. “From the way the well is constructed we do not believe any contamination took place,” he said — while adding that he believed Dow had taken water samples for analysis. Blomberg’s letter concludes: “Only one employee got the spill on his hands and after four days still reports no problem. He was the shop supervisor that closed the valve. He had worked with EDB before and knew how to wash with copious amount of water. “It is my understanding that Dow will replace all the lost fumigant.”

In the early 1980s contaminants were found in several wells that provided water to Kunia and surrounding areas. The contaminants included the volatile organic compounds trichloroethylene (TCE), a metal degreaser, and Ethylene dibromide (EDB), an industrial insecticide; dibromochloropropane (DBCP), a commercial nematicide; Trichloropropane (TCP), a chemical degreasing agent, as well as lindane, benzene, and other compounds. Testing revealed concentrations that exceeded EPA established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). The highest concentrations were found in groundwater beneath the Former Fumigant Storage Area and are shown in Table 1. Further analysis of neighboring soil samples revealed similar concentrations. A computerized groundwater model combined with field sampling results indicated that, prior to 1980, the contaminated groundwater plume was completely contained on site due to pumping of the Kunia Well before it was disconnected from the potable water supply in April 1980. The results of modelling from 1980 to the present indicate that using “reasonable worst-case” assumptions, the chemicals could have migrated at most about 4,500 feet downgradient of the Kunia Village Area at MCL concentrations. The “reasonable best-case” scenario indicates that EDB-contaminated groundwater has probably travelled about 1,800 feet and the DBCP contamination has moved perhaps 2,000 feet at the MCL concentration. The potential future travel of the groundwater plume was estimated using a model based on groundwater concentrations for EDB and DBCP currently observed in the Kunia Village Area. The model indicates that the maximum future estimated travel distance from the Kunia Village Area to an MCL is about 2,000 feet for EDB and 3,000 feet for DBCP. All estimated distances position the plume of contamination within the boundaries of the Del Monte Plantation, below the agricultural fields - just six feet above the underground Field Station Kunia facility.

Asbestos is what causes mesothelioma. It is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined from rock. Before and after it was known to be toxic, it was used in many common products. For those who served at Field Station Kunia, the material was used for the purposes of insulation and fireproofing. The primary route of exposure was through the air, therefore the greatest risk of exposure is through inhalation. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause certain types of respiratory disease including cancers of the lungs, esophagus, trachea and oral cavities. Because of hte small size of the asbestos fibers, it is possible that they may remain airborne for weeks. The diseases commonly associated with asbestos exposure may take many years to manifest, often exceeding 30 years or more. Each of the diseases are debilitating, with lung cancer often fatal and mesothelioma always fatal. Asbestos removal was conducted at Field Station Kunia during the early 90's. Many shift workers were not informed of the hazards, nor were precautions taken to ensure their safety during its removal. An Asbestos Management Plan was developed for the Subject Property. The elements included in this plan were an inventory of asbestos containing material (ACM), assessment, abatement, and operations and maintenance plans. The Final Inspection Report for the Asbestos Inventory, dated November 1997, reported that ACM was confirmed to be present in two of the nine buildings inspected at Kunia Field Station. The survey identified ACM in Building 9 (floor tile and mastic, baseboard mastic, drywall, pipe insulation, duct mastic, transite panels, and ceiling tile mastic) and in Building 31 (floor tile). Floor mastic in Building 25 was assumed to be ACM. With the exception of some minor physical damage, the majority of the ACM was in good condition. Exposure to asbestos fibers is unlikely, as long as these materials remain in good condition and are not disturbed (DON 1999a). Asbestos sampling of the Building 9 heating, ventilation and air conditioning system were conducted in 1999 and 2000. In the event of nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC) threat, the facility was designed with ten individual NBC collective protective units to protect personnel (DON 1997). The NBC collective protective units consist of a particulate filter, gas filter, and a fan/motor assembly. The particulate filters originally used were composed of pleated layers of heavy asbestos-bearing filter paper housed in a plywood frame. The asbestos filters were reportedly removed and replaced with a lofted media filter in the early 1990s. However, PWC personnel noted a white, powdery substance on the inside frame of a gas filter, and conducted swipe sampling to check for asbestos in 1999. Mastic and duct connection gasket samples were also collected and analyzed for asbestos. Analytical results indicated that the swipe sample and the gasket contained chrysotile asbestos (DON 1997). A follow-up investigation obtained samples from each category of space including corridors, offices, the cafeteria, AC plant, and the fresh air intake tunnel for Building 9. Approximately 10 ambient air samples were collected for each floor of the facility per eight-hour work shift. Bulk samples were collected from within the air ducts. Micro-vacuum dust samples were collected from within the air duct system and various lateral surfaces in the building where dust accumulates and the collection of a bulk sample was not possible. All 90 air samples were free of asbestos fibers. Of the fifteen bulk samples analyzed for asbestos, four samples were considered to be ACM (chrysotile). Three of the nine microvac samples likely contained asbestos above general background levels. The detected concentrations indicate that asbestos or ACM has been airborne at some point in the past. Abatement of residual asbestos dust was recommended for the NBC filter units and for HV AC supply ductwork. Cleaning of the entire building of dust was also recommended, as was further investigation of the ventilation area beneath floors. The recommended actions have not been implemented (DON 1997). Source: Contract No. W9128A-09-D-0021, NIOC Hawaii ECP

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine atoms. The number of chlorine atoms and their location in a PCB molecule determine many of its physical and chemical properties. PCBs have no known taste or smell, and range in consistency from an oil to a waxy solid. PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until manufacturing was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids. Due to their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications including:

• Electrical, heat transfer and hydraulic equipment
• Plasticizers in paints, plastics and rubber products
• Pigments, dyes and carbonless copy paper
• Other industrial applications

Prior to 1979 when the use of PCBs were banned in the United States, they were commercially used for

Transformers and capacitors
• Electrical equipment including voltage regulators, switches, re-closers, bushings, and electromagnets
• Oil used in motors and hydraulic systems
• Old electrical devices or appliances containing PCB capacitors
• Fluorescent light ballasts
• Cable insulation
• Thermal insulation material including fiberglass, felt, foam, and cork
• Adhesives and tapes
• Oil-based paint
• Caulking
• Plastics
• Carbonless copy paper
• Floor finish

Today, PCBs can still be released into the environment from:

• Poorly maintained hazardous waste sites that contain PCBs
• Illegal or improper dumping of PCB wastes
• Leaks or releases from electrical transformers containing PCBs
• Disposal of PCB-containing consumer products into municipal or other landfills not designed to handle hazardous waste
• Burning some wastes in municipal and industrial incinerators

PCBs do not readily break down once in the environment. They can remain for long periods cycling between air, water and soil. PCBs can be carried long distances and have been found in snow and sea water in areas far from where they were released into the environment. As a consequence, they are found all over the world. In general, the lighter the form of PCB, the further it can be transported from the source of contamination. PCBs can accumulate in the leaves and above-ground parts of plants and food crops. They are also taken up into the bodies of small organisms and fish. As a result, people who ingest fish may be exposed to PCBs that have bioaccumulated in the fish they are ingesting.

PCBs have been demonstrated to cause a variety of adverse health effects. They have been shown to cause cancer in animals as well as a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals, including: effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects. Studies in humans support evidence for potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PCBs. The different health effects of PCBs may be interrelated. Alterations in one system may have significant implications for the other systems of the body. The potential health effects of PCB exposure are discussed in greater detail below. They are the most widely studied environment contaminants.

• Acute lethality,
• Body weight loss,
• Cancer,
• Dermal toxicity,
• Fatty liver,
• Genotoxicity,
• Hepatomegaly,
• Immunosuppressive effects,
• Neurotoxicity,
• Porphyria,
• Reproductive and developmental toxicity,
• Thymic atrophy, and
• Thyroid hormone-level alterations.

 

The Department of the Navy has documented occurrences of PCB contamination of soil and concrete as a result of past dielectric fluid testing practices at other naval facilities. In the past (i.e., pre-1979), an aliquot of dielectric fluid would be taken from a transformer and tested for its dielectric properties by Navy personnel. After testing was completed, the dielectric fluid was disposed of on the ground by Navy personnel resulting in unpredictable patterns of PCB-contaminated soil and concrete at these locations. Similar testing practices may have occurred at the Subject Property.

Yes, in fact numerous studies - both commercial and government - were performed in an attempt to define, assess (and hopefully) contain the toxic substances. The following map was created in a 2012 Environmental Study conducted by the Department of the Navy. It indicates the areas of contamination present at that time, and the remediation activities (if any) performed. Based on an analysis of the available data, property and facilities within the Subject Property were classified into one of the following seven ECP categories to assess whether the property or a portion of the property is suitable for transfer. The basis for the seven categories, which are described below, is the 1996 revision of the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Cleanup Plan Guidebook (Department of Defense [DoD] 1995). As directed by Navy guidance, Category 2 has been further subdivided into five subcategories to provide greater detail regarding the type and status of petroleum release sites than is required under the basic ECP guidance.

• Category 1: Areas where no release or disposal of hazardous substances or petroleum products have occurred (including no migration of these substances from adjacent areas).
• Category 2: Areas where only release or disposal of petroleum products have occurred. 
• Category 2a. Facilities where release, disposal, and/or migration of petroleum products have occurred, but at concentrations that do not require a response action. 
• Category 2b. Facilities where release, disposal, and/or migration of petroleum products have occurred, and all response actions to protect human health and the environment have been taken. 
• Category 2c. Facilities where release, disposal, and/or migration of petroleum products have occurred, and response actions are under way, but all required response actions have not been completed. 
• Category 2c*. Because of special circumstances, Category 2c* was created for this ECP where release, disposal, and/or migration of petroleum products have occurred to such depth that removal was determined to be infeasible. Response actions to protect human health and the environment have been implemented which included the installation of a remedial cap system to isolate contaminated soil beneath the cap from surface water infiltration.
• Category 2d. Facilities where release, disposal, and/or migration of petroleum products have occurred, but required response actions have not yet been implemented. 
• Category 2e. Facilities that have never been evaluated or require additional investigation. Category 2e facilities include areas that may have had a release of petroleum products, but have had no sampling or field screening and require such investigations to confirm that a release has or has not occurred.
• Category 3: Areas where release, disposal, and/or migration of hazardous substances have occurred, but at concentrations that do not require a removal or remedial response.
• Category 4: Areas where release, disposal, and/or migration of hazardous substances have occurred, and all removal or remedial actions to protect human health and the environment have been taken.
• Category 5: Areas where release, disposal, and/or migration of hazardous substances have occurred, and removal or remedial actions are underway, but all required remedial actions have not yet been taken.
• Category 6: Areas where release, disposal, and/or migration of hazardous substances have occurred, but required actions have not yet been implemented.
• Category 7: Areas that are not evaluated or require additional evaluation. Category 7 facilities include areas that may have had a release of hazardous substances, but have had no sampling or field screening and require such investigations to confirm that a release has or has not occurred. Petroleum products are not addressed under this category unless they are commingled or suspected to be commingled with Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) hazardous substances.

Have you misplaced a copy of your military service records? Remember, your military service records are free to request and generally available to the service member and next of kin. Online advertisements promising expedited service for a 'small fee' are scams.

What Information Is Needed to Request Records

Your request must contain certain basic information to locate your service records. This information includes:

• The veteran's complete name used while in service
• Service number
• Social security number
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
• If you suspect your records may have been involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
  • Place of discharge
  • Last unit of assignment
  • Place of entry into the service, if known.
• All requests must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.
• If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.

How to Request Service Information

The National Archives online program eVetRecs is the preferred and fastest method for requesting service information. Provide as much information as possible in the comments field. Should you prefer to submit your request using a SF180 then provide as much information as possible and send the form to: National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 1 Archives Drive St. Louis, MO 63138 Or Fax to: 314-801-9195

According to the National Personnel Records Center 92% of separation record requests are processed within 10 days of receipt. However, health records may take longer. The eVetRecs website has instructions for emergency requests needing faster processing.

Any and all questions related to legal matters should be presented to an attorney for review and guidance.