HI HB67

Establishes the China-Hawaii Economic Council within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to further economic relations between China and Hawaii.

Creates a seven-member China-Hawaii Economic Council Commission appointed by the governor to provide policymaking and oversight, with an executive director responsible for developing and administering council programs.

Requires the council to conduct an inaugural general meeting with business and government leaders from China and Hawaii by December 31, 2022, with subsequent annual meetings that may alternate between Hawaii and China.

Annual meetings may include discussions on trade, tourism, education, investment, finance, communication, and culture, with reports submitted to the legislature within 180 days after each meeting.

Appropriates funding for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, with the amount to be determined, and takes effect July 1, 2017.