HI HB648

Establishes the China-Hawaii Economic Council within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to promote economic relations between China and Hawaii, modeled after the successful Japan-Hawaii Economic Council established in 1972.

Creates a seven-member China-Hawaii Economic Council Commission appointed by the governor, with members serving without compensation but eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

Requires the commission to appoint an executive director (part-time or full-time) who must have professional qualifications in China-Hawaii relations and familiarity with both cultures.

Mandates an inaugural China-Hawaii Economic Council general meeting by December 31, 2020, with subsequent annual meetings that may alternate between Hawaii and China and address trade, tourism, education, investment, finance, communication, and culture.

Appropriates unspecified funding for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017; the council must submit meeting proceedings to the legislature within 180 days and provide annual progress reports through 2020; the statute sunsets on June 30, 2035.