Residents in court denounce U.S. forces for causing unbearable noise

In Okinawa, a court hearing was held on February 20 over the noise pollution caused by U.S. military aircraft at U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station. Residents who live near the military base seized this opportunity to reveal their suffering.

The lawsuit was filed by 200 residents of Ginowan City against the Japanese government and the U.S. Futenma base commander. The plaintiffs are demanding that late night and early morning flights be banned and that compensation be paid to them.

Testifying on behalf of the plaintiffs in the hearing at the Naha District Court, Shimada Zenji said, "You must listen to the children, teachers, and residents who are exposed to sonic booms and forced to live with anxiety and fear."

Chinen Chuji, who lives directly under a flight course of U.S. aircraft, complained, "My ears and heart are severely affected by noise caused by aircraft landings and take-offs."

The government in a written answer insisted on rejecting the plaintiffs' demand.

Another defendant, U.S. Commander Richard Lueking, who had refused to receive the complaint, did not show up. (end)