Hirono, Case agree on visa programs, disagree on timing

By Derrick DePledge

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, May 30, 2012

~~<p>U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday said easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors could fuel tourism in Hawaii, but former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who also favors the legislation, said the bill's lack of progress in Congress suggests Hirono is not effective.</p>
<p>At the first of five joint appearances in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate — a forum sponsored by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association — Hirono said lifting visa restrictions on visitors from China would help with job creation and economic growth. She said her bill, which would allow the Chinese to apply for five-year multiple entry visas to the United States instead of just one-year visas, shows her ability to collaborate.</p>
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U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday said easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors could fuel tourism in Hawaii, but former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who also favors the legislation, said the bill's lack of progress in Congress suggests Hirono is not effective.

At the first of five joint appearances in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate — a forum sponsored by the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association — Hirono said lifting visa restrictions on visitors from China would help with job creation and economic growth. She said her bill, which would allow the Chinese to apply for five-year multiple entry visas to the United States instead of just one-year visas, shows her ability to collaborate. Login for more...