HI HR29

Urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority to coordinate with hospitality industry trade organizations to create a more welcoming environment for Chinese visitors to Hawaii.

Requests tourism-related businesses hire additional Chinese-speaking staff, provide cultural training to employees, and increase use of Chinese language in signs and written materials.

Notes that Chinese visitors to Hawaii spent an average of $394 per person per day in 2013 (the highest among all visitor groups) and that the Chinese market is experiencing rapid growth while traditional markets show flat or modest gains.

Requests Hawaii's congressional delegation to work toward amendments to H-1B visa criteria to facilitate employment of foreign workers with specialized knowledge of Chinese language and culture for the visitor industry.

Directs copies of the resolution to be transmitted to Hawaii's congressional delegation, the Governor, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority leadership.