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Okinawa's municipality heads oppose new U.S. base plan

In a meeting on November 9 with Defense Agency Director General Nukaga Seishiro, Okinawa's governor and municipality heads hosting U.S. bases expressed their opposition to the recent Japan-U.S. agreement to relocate the U.S. Futenma Air Station to Nago City as well as other related plans.

Nukaga was visiting Okinawa on November 9-10 to persuade local governments to accept what the U.S. military realignment plan agreed upon in late October.

Governor Inamine reiterated his rejection by stating, "90 percent of the prefectural people are opposed to the plan to relocate the Futenma base to the seashore next to U.S. Marine Corps Camp Schwab."

Under the new realignment plan, U.S. bases now in Southern or Central Okinawa will be concentrated in Okinawa's northern area. Mayors in this area are rejecting this move.

Gimu Takeshi, Kin Town mayor, pointed out that the plan of co-use of Camp Hansen by the U.S. and Japanese military will increase burdens on civilians and that "Ginoza and Onna villages hosting Camp Hansen are also with us."

Mayor Nakasone Masakazu of Okinawa City stated that his city cannot accept the Air SDF coming to the U.S. Kadena Air Base unless specific measures to reduce local burdens are presented.

Gima Mitsuo, mayor of Urasoe City hosting the U.S. Naha Port and the U.S. Makiminato Service Area, stated that the central government's call for a "package deal" forcing the city to accept a new air base in exchange for the return of the existing base sites will drive a wedge between residents in the north and in the south.

Kishimoto Tateo, Nago City mayor, alone suggested that he may accept the new air base construction if its site on Nago's coast is amended. Defense Agency officials, however, said that the plan will not be modified. -- Akahata, November 10, 2005