Oct 16 (Fri): Removal work of the old pier started at Awa; 60 people protested at five places

(In front of Camp Schwab Gate)

Approximately 30 people started to do the sit-in protest at 8:40 in the morning. Some waved hands to the cars passing by; some protested the Defense Bureau officers; some enjoyed friendly conversations among each other. People sang songs as always, chanted slogans together, kept showing their will of protest until being removed by the riot police.

In the morning and afternoon, a total of 250 trucks in 3 convoys brought the construction materials into Camp Schwab. The construction of the building, which is visible from the main gate, has been seemingly finished. They say that it will be an amenity hall with entertaining facilities, bars, and shops for U.S. military service persons. It makes us angry that our tax money was spent on its construction.

(Ryukyu Cement Awa Pier)

Twenty-seven Okinawa Heiwa Shimin Renrakukai (Okinawa Peace Forum) members showed up in 2 microbuses. Divided into two groups at the entrance and the exit of the pier, they showed their signs and shouted loud to protest toward the dump trucks bringing in earth and sand, “don’t destroy the sea” and “stop the illegal construction.”

Ten canoes stayed close to the cargo ships and successfully delayed the ships’ departure for more than one hour. Loading work was suspended for nearly one and a half hours from 2:30 p.m., probably due to conveyors’ malfunction.

Since the day before yesterday, a large-sized barge fitted for construction works has come to an anchor near the old pier. It seems they are ready to remove the dilapidated old pier before the end of this year as per the agreement with the prefectural office.

A total of 811 truckloads of earth and sand were loaded to 3 cargo ships, which departed for the Oura Bay.

(Motobu Shiokawa Pier)

Only several members of the Motobu chapter showed up and kept protesting. However, civilian guards and the Defense Bureau staff, altogether about 80, showed up for dump-truck traffic control and security.

Only the people in uniforms moved around on the premises, which was quite strange to watch. At the corner of the port, several people were enjoying fishing. When there was no exporting work of earth and sand, this should have been a place for kicking-off shoes and relaxing.

We would lose one of the better relaxation places in Motobu Town if the shipping from Motobu Shiokawa Pier were to continue in the next ten years.

A total of 504 truckloads of earth and sand were loaded into the barges.