US judge dismisses suit over US base on Okinawa
A US federal judge in San Francisco has rejected a lawsuit filed to stop the construction of an American military base off Japan’s Okinawa Island.
The plaintiffs, including environmental groups and some Japanese residents, initially lodged the lawsuit in 2003, naming former secretary of defense Chuck Hagel as a defendant.
Later, a federal judge agreed and ordered defense officials in 2008 to conduct a review that was completed in 2014.
According to the lawsuit, the construction of the base would put at risk the life of an endangered marine mammal related to the manatee.
Dismissing the lawsuit on Friday, US District Court Judge Edward Chen said he did not have the authorization to stop the project.
"Put simply, this court lacks the power or necessary competence to enjoin or otherwise interfere with the construction of a US military facility overseas that is being built consistent with American treaty obligations and in cooperation with the Japanese government," Chen said.
However, the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the plaintiffs, said it would appeal the decision, according to Peter Galvin, director of programs for the center.
"We believe it's an erroneous decision that will be overturned by a higher court," Galvin stated.
As part of the project, Futenma Air Station would be relocated and this would result in a reduced military presence on Okinawa.
Meanwhile, environmentalists assert the construction of two aircraft runways on landfill in a bay would damage crucial feeding grounds and habitat for the dugong.
Many Japanese are angry over US plans and have been holding protests demanding that American forces be moved completely off the island.
AT/AGB
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