Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi met with Togutomo Tomo, Mayor of Nago City, where the U.S. military base Futenma is being relocated in Okinawa Prefecture, and expressed his hope that local voices will be reflected in future efforts as the government moves forward with construction for the relocation. I told him my thoughts.
Regarding the relocation of Futenma Air Base to Henoko, Nago City, the government has been proceeding with construction work on behalf of the government since the 10th of this month, as Okinawa Prefecture will not approve construction on the Oura Bay side, which has soft ground.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi, who is in charge of reducing the burden on Okinawa's bases, visited Okinawa Prefecture for the first time since taking office, and on the morning of the 28th, he met with Nago City Mayor Toguchi Toguchi for about 20 minutes at a hotel in Naha City.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi said, ``I wanted to visit Okinawa as soon as possible.I would like to hear a wide range of local voices regarding the issues faced by Nago City, and reflect them in future government initiatives.'' Ta.
In response, Mayor Toguchi said, ``Local residents have voiced concerns about the impact the alternative facility will have on residents' lives, as well as the traffic congestion and noise caused by the construction.'' It is important that we continue to do so, and we would like to ask for your support."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi will then tour Futenma Air Base and meet with Governor Tamaki of Okinawa Prefecture.