STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1638

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2013

RE:   H.R. No. 22

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2013

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Tourism, to which was referred H.R. No. 22 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, AND THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL TO EASE VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to continue to promote Hawaii's long-standing relationship with China as well as improve Hawaii's economy and encourage travel to the United States by Chinese visitors by urging the United States Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and the United States Attorney General to ease visa restrictions and the visa application and approval process for individuals from the People's Republic of China.     

The Hawaii Tourism Authority, Councilmember of the Maui County Council representing Lanai, Treasurer of the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and a concerned individual supported this measure.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 22, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 22, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Tourism,

____________________________

TOM BROWER, Chair