更新日：2013年11月12日

Resolution(2013 Fifth Session)

 

 

 

 

Resolution of Protest OVER THE US FORCES HH-60 HELICOPTER CRASH INCIDENT

 

 

       At approximately 4:00 PM on August 5, 2013, an HH-60 helicopter from Kadena Air Base crashed within Camp Hansen in Ginoza Village.

 

              The crash site is adjacent to Okawa Dam, and in the vicinity are the Okinawa Expressway and communities of Ginoza Village. This recent accident has impacted the citizens of Okinawa Prefecture with great concern and fear, as it could have had disastrous effects.

 

              Since the Reversion of Okinawa to Japan, there have been 44 US military aircraft crash incidents thus far, and among them are the CH-53D large transport helicopter that crashed and went up in flames in August 2004, and the F-15 fighter jet crash on May 28 of this year. In addition, together with the additional deployment of 12 MV-22 Osprey aircraft taking place while concerns over crashes still remain strong, it is truly regrettable that an incident such as this recent crash has occurred once again at a time of heightened fear among our residents.

 

              The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly has made numerous requests calling for preventive measures against US military aircraft incidents which have occurred in succession, and for thorough safety measures to be implemented for US Forces’ aircraft. However, just as the flights resumed for the F-15 fighter jets even before a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident was conducted, the US Forces has yet again unilaterally decided to take light of the lives and properties of the prefecture’s citizens. Such actions will not garner the understanding of the people nor will it be tolerated.

 

              To that end, we, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, in our duty to protect the lives, safety and the living environment of the people of Okinawa, strongly protest the recent aircraft accident and call for the prompt execution of the following three items.

 

I.       Conduct a thorough investigation of the cause of the accident and promptly release the findings to the citizens of the prefecture.

II.       Until the investigation into the cause of the incident is complete, and safety and preventive measures are put into effect, suspend all flights of the same model, and conduct safety inspections for all US Forces’ aircraft within Okinawa Prefecture.

III.        Conduct crash impact surveys in the proximity of the site and release the findings.

 

The above is resolved as stated on this 12th day of August, 2013.

 

Okinawa Prefectural Assembly

 

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