Home > Daily News (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Okinawa governor warms to US senators' plan

Okinawa's governor says a proposal by US senators for relocating the US Futenma Air Station might be worth discussing if assurances are given that the plan would reduce Okinawa's burden.

Hirokazu Nakaima was referring to a proposal made on Wednesday by 3 senators led by Democrat Carl Levin, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The senators called an existing plan to move the Marine Corps station to Nago City in northern Okinawa unrealistic. They instead proposed integrating Futenma's functions with those of Kadena Air Force Base, also in Okinawa, and moving some of Kadena's air force units to Guam.

On Friday, Nakaima told reporters that the idea could serve as an entry point if it would result in less fighter jet traffic at Kadena, reduced noise and base functions, and an easing of the burden on local communities.

But he said there'll be no debate unless Okinawa is assured that the plan would reduce aircraft noise.

Nakaima said he will watch how the White House, the US state and defense departments, and the US military respond.

Friday, May 13, 2011 16:25 +0900 (JST)