Nago Mayor asks Okinawa governor to reject Henoko landfill

November 27, 2013 Ryukyu Shimpo

On November 27, Nago Mayor Susumu Inamine submitted his written statement of opinion to Deputy Governor Yoshihisa Kawakami on the Henoko landfill application received from the Defense Ministry. The mayor opposes the landfill and has asked Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima to reject the application. The Defense Ministry has presented the landfill application to build the alternative base for U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma in Henoko, Nago to the Okinawa governor.

The deputy governor replied, “We want to go forward reviewing the application taking into account the opinion of the mayor and related organizations and individuals.”

“I have pointed out the legal problems and improper practices in the landfill project. I have received about 2,500 opinions from citizens. I want the governor to take the thoughts of Nago citizens seriously,” the mayor emphasized.

LDP Diet members from Okinawa have gone back on their policy pledge made during the campaign that they would seek to move the Futenma base outside the prefecture. Instead they now accept the relocation to Henoko. The mayor commented, “I think this is embarrassing. It would seem that there has been pressure or something brought to bear on the local LDP chapter. I want the governor to be faithful to his remarks to date.”

(English translation by T&CT, Mark Ealey)

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