An Appeal of Kushi 13 districts
The waves breaking white today, we, regional residents of Kushi, gathered on the beach of Henoko on December 19, just before 2000. A coral sea right in front of our eyes, which has brought up a lot of lives since ancient times, so we have received the blessing of the sea, on which we, from generation to generation, can survive. This sea, which is irreplaceable and beneficial to us, are about to be killed now. Japan-U.S. government and its pupet Inamine (Okinawa) prefectural administration announced one-sidedly the plan of constructing a huge military-civilian airport along or off the Henoko coast withount any consultation with local residents.
Two years ago, we held the referendum on the proposal to relocate the Futenma Air Station, which brought disruption and confusion among local residents who lived calmly, to off the Henoko. In the referendum, although government put great pressure on voters using forces and money, the majority of the citizens voted against such a plan. This is the will of local citizens of Nago and appeal to the world. The way of the government and prefectural administration which enforces Kishimoto, the mayor of Nago, to accept the relocation plan is to trample down the public opinion where the referendum clearly showed up. Putting "Promotion plan" under citizen's nose, they piles up discrimination to discrimination, and mocks a regional resident and local autonomy.
We strongly demand the mayor of Nago and the Nago city council to refuse such a disgrace acceptance. Even if the mayor and the city council accept by any chance, the local resident declares no acceptance.
The new base with about 2500-3000 meters glide slope, on which OSPREY, the newest-model battle helicopter, would produce more noise and danger than present helicopter. It is clear that the new base will bring Ginoza and Higashi village as well as former Kushi village big base-damage. It is sure to destroy regional resident's life environment by the noise hell. Even if the agreement of the base use is made, the guarantee from which it is defended does not have anything either. The east coast region of Nago will become the best maneuver district of US Marine Corps in the world. As the natural environment is destroyed, Dugong, an international protected species, which makes this east coast an inhabiting sea area in Japan, will be exterminated.
We wish to hand our environment to the 21st century where children and grandchildren can live peacefully and abundantly in the blessing of the sea and the mountain. We are convincing that true regional promotion can be achieved not by money in exchange for base but by wisdom and action of regional resident. We, residents of Kushi, now declares that we refuse the new base, and making the 21st century in peace, hand in hand with the vicinal resident.
December 19, 1999
Heripoto Soshi Kyougikai (Inochi o Mamoru Kai) = Association Against Heliport (Society to Save Lives)
Heri kichi Iranai Futami Ihoku Jukku no Kai = No to Heliport! Association of 10 Districts north of Futami
Everyone those who participate kushi region-wide rally
nagocnet@hotmail.com