STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1695-12

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

RE:   H.R. No. 98

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on International Affairs and Tourism, to which was referred H.R. No. 98 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT AND INCLUDE THE PHILIPPINES IN THE VISA IMPROVEMENTS TO STIMULATE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Congress to propose and support the inclusion of the Philippines in the Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act (VISIT USA Act).

Hawaii Tourism Authority testified in support of this measure.

     Your Committees note that the VISIT USA Act establishes a five-year multiple entry visa for specified countries, but does not include the Philippines.  Including the Philippines in the VISIT USA Act will strengthen economic, educational, cultural, and other ties between the Philippines and the United States.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on International Affairs and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 98 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on International Affairs and Tourism,

____________________________ TOM BROWER, Chair

____________________________ KAREN L. AWANA, Chair