HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

654

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to economic development.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State's economy, culture, and way of life are unlike anywhere else in the United States.  Hawaii's geographical proximity and past associations with its Asian neighbors create a unique opportunity to encourage stronger cultural and business connections between Hawaii and Asian countries.  The success of the Japan-Hawaii economic council, since its creation in 1972, until fulfilling its mission and disbandment in 1990, is evident throughout the State.  The council helped create and foster lasting business relationships between Japan and Hawaii for the mutual growth of their developing economies.

     The legislature further finds that there is a need for a similar council to facilitate business relationships between China and Hawaii.  China has emerged as a great developing economy seen by many as the future, and our State is well suited to interact with China to further its economic growth.

     The purpose of this Act is to enable Hawaii to collaborate with China toward mutual economic development by establishing a China-Hawaii economic council.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§201-    China-Hawaii economic council; general functions, duties, and powers.  (a)  There is established the China-Hawaii economic council, which shall be placed within the department for administrative purposes, to enable Hawaii and China to work toward mutual economic development.

     (b)  As used in this section, "council" means the China-Hawaii economic council.

     (c)  The council shall meet at least once annually and shall report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.  The council's report shall include:

     (1)  A description of the council's policy relative to economic development opportunities between China and Hawaii;

     (2)  A description of recent investment opportunities between China and Hawaii;

     (3)  A description of proposed business ventures for increased economic growth in China and Hawaii; and

     (4)  Proposed legislation, as needed.

     (d)  The committee shall consist of the following members:

     (1)  The director of business, economic development, and tourism, who shall serve as chair of the council;

     (2)  The chairperson of the board of directors of the Hawaii tourism authority or the chairperson's designee;

     (3)  The director of the office of planning or the director's designee;

     (4)  The chairperson of the board of directors of the Hawaii technology development corporation or the chairperson's designee;

     (5)  The chairperson of the board of directors of the Hawaii strategic development corporation or the chairperson's designee;

     (6)  The director of finance or the director's designee;

     (7)  The director of transportation or the director's designee; and

     (8)  Representatives from the business community in China, entrepreneurs, and experts in business or economic development.

     (e)  The members of the committee shall serve without pay, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in carrying out their duties."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

China-Hawaii Economic Council

 

Description:

Establishes the China-Hawaii economic council within the department of business, economic development, and tourism for economic development.

 

 

 

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