I blame Okinawa's abysmal public transit situation on:
1. The US administering the island until 1972, while Japan itself was undergoing very effective reconstruction and public works projects post-war.
2. The mainland Japanese government treating the Okinawans almost like unwanted red-headed step-children.
And yes, the southern third of the island has the building and traffic density of an urban area with the inconvenience of American suburbs. Almost the entire population has at least a kei car, unless you work in a snack bar/kabakura (where transportation is often provided, and your job involves getting shit-faced drunk every night so you can't drive home anyway).
American Village is also my least-favorite place to go on the island: the traffic to get into that area is abysmal, especially after 4pm, and during the summer the brutal heat, sunlight, and humidity makes walking around between the buildings unappealing. Ashibina Outlet Mall is similar, but at least has slightly better overhead cover to protect from the sun.
I guess they resolved the heating issue with an even more American institution. Stepping into Aeon Mall Rycom is a like a localized version of my youth in New Jersey.
