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 governance and oversight, with members serving without compensation but eligible for expense reimbursement.

Requires the commission to appoint an executive director responsible for developing and administering council programs, who must have expertise in China-Hawaii relations and familiarity with both cultures.

Mandates the inaugural China-Hawaii Economic Council general meeting with business and government leaders from both regions by December 31, 2022, with subsequent annual meetings that may alternate between Hawaii and China and address trade, tourism, education, investment, finance, communication, and culture.

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to fund the council, and requires annual progress reports to the legislature through 2022.