Editorial [Fourth Kadena Explosive Lawsuit] Face the earnest appeal

I want to spend a quiet night. Such petty complaints by residents have been neglected for 40 years. The source of the explosion was a US military base, and it was the Japanese government that provided the base to the US military, even though it was clear who was responsible for neglecting it. On the 28th, 35,566 residents living in the vicinity of the US military Kadena Air Base filed a fourth lawsuit, demanding that the government suspend US military flights late at night and early in the morning. A record number of plaintiffs. The first lawsuit was filed in 1982, and in the second and third cases, damages were awarded, but the plaintiff's strong desire to suspend flights was rejected. This is based on the “third-party act theory,” which states that the Japanese government does not have the right to command or order US military aircraft. Although he acknowledged the health damage caused by the explosion, such as sleep disturbance, psychological and mental pain, and increased blood pressure, the contradiction continued that he would not intervene to stop it. If the judiciary does not provide solutions to residents seeking relief, it is equivalent to failing to fulfill its role as a "fortress of human rights." The fourth plaintiff claims the suspension of sports festivals, school entrance ceremonies, and community events, adverse effects on children's growth, and damage to soil and water sources caused by spills of organic fluorine compound PFOS (Pihos). Foreign aircraft are also frequently flying in, and noise of 90 decibels or more, which is equivalent to a "noisy factory", is often generated. The damage caused by the use of former parking lots near residential areas, such as engine adjustment sounds and bad odors, is increasing. The right to live in peace guaranteed by the Constitution must not be violated any further. ■　■　The country's responsibility is also greatly questioned. The judiciary has pointed out that the government has not taken sufficient measures against noise since noise became a social problem in the 1970s. In 1996, Japan and the United States signed a noise prevention agreement. Regarding flights from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am the next day, it is stipulated that it is ``restricted to what is considered necessary for the operational requirements of the United States,'' but if the US military considers it operationally necessary, it will not be restricted. Become. It is full of loopholes and ineffective. The illegality of noise has been recognized, and the country should ensure that the US military complies with the agreement. In addition to this civil lawsuit, the defense team for the 4th lawsuit will also file a new administrative lawsuit against the government, such as confirming that it is in a position to suspend flights. In response to the government's inaction, which has neglected noise pollution, we will demand restrictions on flights and an obligation not to generate noise. ■　■　"I want to live a quiet life with the sound of insects instead of loud noises." To tell. ``I feel that I must leave an Okinawa where children can live a normal life,'' he said. As joint training between the US military and the Self-Defense Forces increases, there are concerns about Okinawa becoming a "fortress". At this rate, it will not become an island of peace. The judiciary and the government should face up to the earnest appeals of the residents over the past 40 years.