Japan Press Weekly

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2018 July 18 - 24 [POLITICS]

Okinawa will begin procedure to revoke landfill approval to stop Henoko project from proceeding

The Okinawa prefectural government intends to launch a procedure to repeal the Henoko reclamation approval given in preparation for the construction of a new U.S. base, Akahata learned on July 19. The repeal of the approval will halt the landfill process which the Abe government plans to commence in mid-August.

The prefectural government’s intent was announced by Vice Governor Jahana Kiichiro on the day at a closed-door meeting with pro-governor civil groups.

Under the procedure for cancelling the approval which the pro-base former governor gave, the prefecture is required to give the Defense Ministry’s local bureau a hearing. After the hearing, Governor Onaga Takeshi will make the final decision.

According to the civil groups, they asked the vice governor whether the cancellation decision will be made before the Abe government starts to pour earth and sand to fill in the offshore area at Henoko. Jahana replied that the prefecture seeks to complete the cancellation procedure prior to the launch of the landfill work.

The prefectural government of Okinawa has repeatedly pointed out that the Abe government is violating the guidelines pertaining to the approval for reclamation of the sea area off Henoko and urged the suspension of the reclamation work. On July 17, the prefectural authorities again criticized the central government for pushing forward with the landfill project by holding back information that the seafloor of the planned reclamation area is extremely loose and soft. The prefecture demanded that the project be suspended without delay.

Past related articles:
> Abe on day of Okinawa battle memorial: gov't sticks to Henoko base plan [June 24, 2018]
> Gov’t submits request to reclaim sea area off Henoko [March 23, 2013]