U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono unveiled new legislation Thursday that would make it easier for tourists from Hong Kong to visit Hawaii.

The bill would fix a technical problem that prevents Hong Kong from joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Under current law, only "countries" are eligible for the program. Hong Kong is not a sovereign country, but a self-governing region of China, so a special provision needs to be added to the law to make Hong Kong eligible.

"This bipartisan legislation is one example of how just a small legislative change can have a big impact on Hawaii’s economy," Hirono said in a news release.

"Right now, people in Hong Kong can visit more than 140 countries and territories without visas, but these potential Hawaii tourists must still endure a time-consuming visa approval process in order to come to the United States. By fixing the visa waiver process for visitors from Hong Kong, we can make it easier for thousands of tourists from this region to come to Hawaii."

Hong Kong visitors spend on average $230 for each day they stay in Hawaii, almost 20 percent more than the average visitor, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

In 2012, 5,162 visitors from Hong Kong visited the islands.

"This is an excellent opportunity for all of the state to benefit — from hotels and restaurants to all of the tour suppliers in Hawaii," Jim Reddekopp, a tour operator on Hawaii island, said in the news release.