Statute of Limitations
Hawaii has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of discovery.
2 years from discovery of injury and PFAS connection
Where to File in Hawaii
Hawaii personal injury claims are governed by HRS § 657-7, providing a 2-year limitations period from discovery. Federal PFAS claims proceed in MDL 2873 (D.S.C.). Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay) are the primary PFAS contamination sources on Oahu. Hawaii's geographic isolation and dependence on groundwater aquifers makes PFAS contamination particularly critical — there are no alternative uncontaminated surface water sources to draw from. The Red Hill fuel contamination crisis of 2021–2022 created heightened awareness of military environmental contamination in Hawaii and elevated community readiness to pursue claims.
Exposure in Hawaii
Source: DoD PFAS Installation Database; Hawaii DOH Environmental Reports 2022