Governor Tamaki holds a press conference discussing new Henoko lawsuit, hoping for “A ruling that will shine a light on the concept of regional autonomy”

Governor Tamaki holds a press conference discussing new Henoko lawsuit, hoping for “A ruling that will shine a light on the concept of regional autonomy”

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki speaking at a recent press conference discussion the new lawsuit regarding the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transportations decision to overturn Okinawa’s prohibition on land reclamation at Henoko. July 17, Okinawa Prefectural Office


July 17, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki held a press conference July 17 at the Okinawa Prefectural Office, where he discussed a lawsuit filed against the Japanese government in an attempt to overturn a decision made by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation (MLIT), which nullified the cancellation of permission for land-filling in the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko.

Governor Tamaki said of the lawsuit, which was filed after the head of the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB) applied for arbitration using the Administrative Appeal Act, strongly demanding, “We want the voices of those who say that there is something strange about a country applying for arbitration from itself to be heard in a court, where light will hopefully be shed on the concept of regional autonomy, and will rule on the form that should be taken by national and regional authorities.”

Additionally, Governor Tamaki indicated, “The ODB and the MLIT are both government bodies that follow a unified cabinet policy to push forward with land reclamation activity.

To have the Minister from the MLIT provide the adjudication is like a sporting match where the one player is also the umpire. Certainly, writing your own case and then coming to your own conclusion can only be said to be lacking in justice.”

Vice Governor Kiichiro Jahana was also in attendance and spoke about his concerns, stating, “If the cabinet deciding to erase administrative measures made by regional authorities becomes normalized, it will destroy regional autonomy.”

When asked if the lawsuit will make continued dialogue with the government difficult, Governor Tamaki commented, “We have noted throughout the necessity and importance of continued dialogue, and this will not change moving forward.”

The governor added, “The past two gubernatorial elections as well as the referendum have clearly shown that Okinawa strongly opposes the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko, so I will do everything in my power to respond to these strongly held beliefs.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

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