Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and members of his Cabinet expressed disappointment and anger Friday over Okinawa Gov. Masahide Ota's decision to officially reject the government's plan to construct a sea-based heliport off Nago.

The planned facility was intended to take over the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station, but Ota's announcement has thrown the entire project into question.

Hashimoto indicated to reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence that the plan to return the Futenma airfield to the prefecture will be frozen, at least for the time being.