article_snippet.sent: As a recent Pew Poll indicates, only 23% are in favor while 68% are opposed.
article_snippet.sent: That's not exactly how Okinawans feel about the disproportionate base-hosting burden Okinawans bear.
article_snippet.sent: Some 75% of U.S. bases are concentrated in Okinawa and U.S. bases cover nearly 20% of the land.
article_snippet.sent: In a series of elections and in opinion polls, Okinawans have voiced Okinawans opposition to this situation.
article_snippet.sent: In November 2014 Okinawans elected a governor who opposes the building of a new airbase for U.S. in the pristine waters of Oura Bay in northern Okinawa, kicking the once popular incumbent out of office because Abe gave the green light for this project.
article_snippet.sent: Officials on both sides of the Pacific have reiterated support for proceeding with the new base as part of a plan to reduce the U.S. military footprint in Okinawa, but Okinawans remain unconvinced and find that the democratic expression of Okinawans opposition is resolutely ignored.