HI SCR5

Urges the United States Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and Attorney General to include the People's Republic of China in the Visa Waiver Program to ease visa restrictions for Chinese business and tourist travelers.

Cites historical and economic ties between China and Hawaii, including Chinese immigration since 1852 and China's status as a major trade partner and the world's second-largest economy.

Notes that Chinese tourists spend an average of $368 per day in Hawaii compared to $275 for Japanese tourists, representing significant economic opportunity.

Supports recommendations from the Travel and Tourism Advisory Board including raising the visa refusal rate threshold from 3% to 10%, establishing a maximum 5-day wait time for visa interviews, and extending non-immigrant visas to 10 years.

Directs transmission of the resolution to federal officials, China's ambassador to the United States, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and state and county tourism and business officials.