Schatz, Hawaii Legislators Meet With Taiwanese Officials

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Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, House Speaker Calvin Say, Senate Vice President Donna Kim and Sen. Ronald Kouchi met Monday (May 21) with newly re-elected Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou ”to discuss areas of mutual interest, including tourism, energy and defense. ”

Excerpts from a press release:

In December of 2011 President Obama put Taiwan on track to become a “visa waiver” country. Final approval is expected by the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security in the latter part of 2012. After this status is granted, Hawai’i officials are optimistic that tourism will increase exponentially. Since South Korea was granted visa waiver status, Hawai’i has seen rapid growth in the Korean tourism market.

Schatz also expressed a desire to establish direct flights between Honolulu and Taipei, and President Ma and Lieutenant Governor Schatz agreed to work together on issues related to travel and tourism. 

Schatz also signed a memorandum of understanding with Taichung City Mayor Jason Hu (pictured below), “establishing a collaboration on clean energy, energy efficiency and green growth.” 

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