Hawaii Pacific District Export Council

Robert's Rule (English & Chinese) - bring orders and manage meetings

History of District Export Councils View Current Issue of U. S. Dept of Commercial News online in PDF Format

Officers & Directors (2008)

Members

Resource Center

The United States Government Export Portel

The United States Commercial Service

Minority Business Development Agency

Buy USA      Beijing Olympic Hot Sheet

Legal & Regulatory Information for America's Small Businesses - SBA

Manufacturing in America - A Comprehensive Strategy

Export America Magazine

Understanding the USA Visa Policy

The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Opportunities in China Webinar - Click here to watch! Discover strategies and methods for American manufacturing and services exports to China, a perfect match for new-to-market companies who want to be part of China’s rapid economic growth. Learn about market opportunities and prospects for continued growth; bilateral and multilateral trade patterns; costs and benefits of alternative market entry strategies for American manufacturers; common risks and suggestions on how to ensure prompt payment, protect intellectual property rights and comply with Chinese standards. Live webinar held on March 20, 2006 with expert presenter: Senior Commercial Officer Craig Allen, Beijing, China. For quick China facts, including best prospect sectors: click here.

U. S. Commercial Service "new" fee schedule effective May 1 2008 - please click on the pictures to the left for full view or click on the following link to obtain a copy of the PDF file

The United States District Export Council

Tentative scheduled Hawaii Pacific DEC Meetings:

2008 Hawaii Pacific DEC Meetings:

Wednesdays, April 9th at 12 noon, Foreign Trade Zone#9 Conference Room, RSVP Required!

The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to announce Small Business Week April 21-25, 2008. This year’s celebration encompasses events to be held in Washington, DC at Mandarin Oriental Hotel and New York City - enter to find out more

By Special Invitation ONLY: President George Bush will be hosting a reception "The President's Remarks on National Small Business Week" - Wednesday - April 23 2008 - 3:00 to 6:00pm - The White House - East Room

Webcasting - SBA will be webcasting all of the award events*** and the forums!! click on this link to log onto the website the day and time of the event and you will see a link to the webcast.

For more than 40 years, the SBA has recognized outstanding small business owners for their contributions to the nation’s economy and for their personal achievements during small business week. Since 1963, every President has declared National Small Business Week to formally recognize the important role of America’s small business community.

Small Business Week 2008 begins with a three-day conference in Washington, DC focusing on small business accomplishments, including disaster recovery, procurement and entrepreneurial success. More than 100 small business owners will be honored at four major award events, culminating with the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year. The 2008 honors will include the Phoenix Awards, the Champion Awards, the Federal Procurement Awards and the Entrepreneurial Success Award. This year we are also adding interactive dialogues with industry experts in Healthcare, Technology and Underserved Markets as well as an Energy Forum. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to participate in meetings with corporate and federal buyers who have contracts to be filled by small businesses.

Among the featured speakers confirmed are Secretary Mike Leavitt, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, United States Trade Representative; Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker; David Latimore of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City; John Bryant of Operation HOPE, and other prominent business leaders, CEOs and politicos.

Small Business Week 2008 cosponsors include: Sam’s Club, Administaff, Raytheon, IBM, Chevron, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Cisco, Lockheed Martin, Salesforce.com, Lowe’s, Banco Popular, Minority Business Development Agency, General Services Administration, MyBizHomepage, Dun & Bradstreet, National Association of Development Companies, Direct Selling Education Foundation, Association of Small Business Development Centers, National Small Business Association, Federal Allies Institute, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, Consumer Energy Alliance, National Federation of Independent Business, and SCORE

• Small Business Person of the Year (one from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam);
• Small Business Exporter of the Year;
• SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year;
• Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year;
• Phoenix Awards (for disaster recovery);
• Small Business Champions (individuals or organizations dedicated to supporting small businesses);
• Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year;
• Small Business Subcontractor of the Year;
• Frances Perkins Vanguard Awards (for use of women-owned businesses in government contracting);
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors);
• Gold Star Awards (for federal government contracting);
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Service Excellence and Innovation Center Award
• 7(a) Small Business Lender of the Year (does not require nominations);
• 504 Lender of the Year (does not require nominations);
• Export Lender of the Year (does not require nominations).

On Thursday, April 24, SBA will head to New York City to participate in the closing ceremony at NASDAQ. The final day of Small Business Week will consist of a dialogue on Community Investment and a celebration of top Small Business Lenders.

Small Business Week 2008 promises to be a valuable event! We look forward to seeing you there!

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR) or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Hawaii Women's Business Center hosts Small Business Awards Luncheon on April 30 2008 11:30am - 1:30pm at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Click here for registration form - Return form with payment no later than April 25, 2008 to The Hawai'i Women's Business Center is located in downtown, Honolulu, in the Heart of Chinatown: 1041 Nu'uanu Avenue, Suite A, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817; Phone: 808.526.1001; FAX: 808.550.0724 Cost: $45.00 per person, $450 for table of 10 (Check payable to Hawaii Women's Business Center)

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR) or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Honolulu man honored in D.C.

Honolulu businessman Johnson Choi was honored by the Small Business Administration as 2008 Minority Champion during a ceremony today in the nation's capital.

Choi was one of 10 small-business owners and leaders of small-business support organizations nationwide recognized for their support of entrepreneurs. The SBA Champion Awards were presented as part of the annual observance of National Small Business Week.

Choi, president of the Hong Kong-China-Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce, works with many Asian immigrants to start businesses, particularly in the area of exporting. He won at the state and regional level before claiming the national title.

"The SBA is proud to honor these men and women as true champions of small business, whose tireless efforts have provided tangible and significant support to small businesses and to their communities," said SBA Administrator Steve Preston.

Video 1/3 Video 2/3 Video 3/3 CNN Shadow TV

April 7, 2008 Washington DC - Meeting with Senator and Mrs. Daniel Akaka, John Homan - incoming U. S. Commercial Officer for Honolulu District and Paul Tambakis - Director of Commercial Service Newport Beach California - U. S. Dept of Commerce

Past Events

April 7, 2008 . 4:30-6:30 PM William S. Richardson School of Law, Moot Court Room: Corruption and Good Corporate Governance: Where's the Bottom Line? Presented by Barbara S Fredericks - Assistant General Counsel for Admission - U. S. Department of Commerce - Office of the General Counsel, David Day - Attorney at Law and Shirley Daniel as Moderator. The event is sponsored by the Institute of Asian-Pacific Business Law - William S Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii Manoa. U. S. Department of Commerce has strict policy and guidelines in place that its 38,000 employees worldwide must adhere to. (L to R: Shirley Daniel, David Day and Barbara Fredericks)

Honolulu Hawaii USA March 27 - 28: The first regional Hawaii Pacific Lending Conference that SBA will conduct next month at the Honolulu Country Club. Scheduled for March 27 and 28th, the event is attracting interest from the mainland U.S. , Guam , American Samoa and other affiliated islands in the South Pacific. The 1 ½ day program will feature nationally known experts in small business financing, economic trends in Hawaii and the region, banking issues and opportunities.

Keynote speaker on March 27 will be Janet Taker, Deputy Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Capital Access, who oversees SBA’s $85 billion loan portfolio. Other notables on the program include the Honorable Mazie Hirono, Congresswoman for Hawaii’s 2nd District and member of the House Small Business Committee, Tony Wilkinson, President and CEO of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, Kyle Enger, Associate Director of the Pacific Coast Banking School, Chuck Hill of Kapolei Property Development, and Paul Brewbaker, SVP and Chief Economist, Bank of Hawaii.

The agenda is also available on-line at www.sba.gov/hi. The discounted registration of $80 postmarked by Feb 29th (regular fee is $100) is available through Friday, Feb 29th for those interested in this opportunity.

Webinar on potential locations for the 2010 DEC Conference
Date: March 5, 2008
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 EST

This webinar will feature presentations by the Detroit and the Minneapolis DECs, who will detail why their respective cities should be potential locations for the 2010 DEC Conference. DEC members will have an opportunity to ask the presenters questions. I urge all DEC members to participate in this webinar and help determine where your 2010 National DEC Conference will be held. Following the presentations, a link will be sent out to all DEC Chairs and DEC Executive Secretaries allowing each DEC to vote on the proposed locations. There will be one vote per DEC and each DEC will have until March 21st to vote.

Presenters:
Terry Kalley, Michigan DEC Chair
David Noah, Minneapolis DEC Member

Webinar Participation Instructions:
** Please note: You must log in to the webinar web site AND dial in to the conference number to fully participate in this webinar. It is recommended that you log on at least 15 minutes prior in order to down load the necessary software required for the webinar. Thanks!

Step 1. Url: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/ 
Conference Number: PG9402492
Passcode: DEC

Step 2. Toll Number: 1-210-234-0008
Toll Free Number: 1-888-989-4570
Passcode: DEC

If you have any questions, please call Lauren Harvey at 202-482-1289

Listen to the presentation online

Saturday, January 26th 9:00am - 12noon, Retreat at Foreign Trade Zone#9 Conference Room to discuss why Hawaii companies don't export attended by Richard Swanson, U.S. Commercial Officers/Network Director Southern California, Nevada & Hawaii and Paul Tambakis, Area Director, U. S. Department of Commerce

Tuesday - December 11, 2007 - United States Commercial Office San Francisco California - Presenting Jerry Levine with the "Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade". Mr. Levine played an important role to save the District Export Council (DEC) in 1995 when legislation was presented to eliminate the DEC

Click on the picture or link to view Video Presentation online - Courtesy of YouTube

Special Message:

November 16 2007

Aloha HPEC Members,

I want to take this opportunity to share some good news with you. I have accepted a new assignment as the Director of the Newport Beach, CA. Office of the Commercial Service (CS) effective December 3, 2007. I recently participated in two rounds of panel interviews and was very fortunate to be selected for this new assignment. Although I will miss working with all of you on a daily basis, I am very proud of our joint accomplishments that helped many Hawaii exporters over the past four years. Without the strong partnership of the HPEC, DBEDT and other local partners, CS Honolulu would have accomplished far less for our local business community. I was selected for this new assignment because Commercial Service management took notice of what we accomplished here in Hawaii. Last week at the National DEC Conference in Tampa, CS management emphasized the importance of moving quickly to fill the Honolulu vacancy (through a competitive vacancy announcement and panel interview process) so we keep the momentum going with the HPEC and Commercial Service clients in Hawaii.

During the last week of November, our Network Director, Richard Swanson will travel to Hawaii to meet with the HPEC to discuss the transition and to present some Export Achievement Certificates. We will notify you as soon as the details of this meeting and presentation ceremony are finalized. This will also be a great opportunity to celebrate two great years for the Export Council under Piia's leadership as we look forward to Steve Craven taking over the Chair position in January.

The recipients of the Director General's Export Achievement Certificates include:

Shaun Roberts, Malie, Kauai
Dana Gray, Oils of Aloha
Kevin Kraft, Tradewinds Global
Phil and Whendi Grad, Big Island Bees
Janis Koh, TALL English Solutions

I look forward to seeing you all later this month for the awards ceremony and meeting with Richard Swanson. I also expect to continue to work closely with the HPEC as we coordinate with all of the DECs in our Network on joint activities, including the 2008 National DEC Conference in Palm Springs.

I appreciate all that you have done to make my assignment here in Hawaii the greatest work experience of my career.

Mahalo,
Paul Tambakis, Director
Commercial Service Honolulu
phone 808-522-8041

Upcoming Events - 2008

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR) or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Past Events & Photo

National District Export Council Conference - November 7-9, 2007 Tampa, Florida

“The Great Debate: The Future of U.S. Trade” was attended by more than 350 Exporters represented by District Export Councils (DEC) members and United States Commercial Officers throughout North America, Middle East and Asia - Charlotte Starfire of the Florida DEC is chairing the conference this year. This year's conference promises to be an engaging, educational journey into the many aspects of "The Great Trade Debate." The conference has focus on 1) The pending free trade agreements (FTA), await U. S. Congress passage into law between USA, Peru, Columbia, Panama and South Korea to level the playing field for American Exporters and 2) The challenges and opportunities for the American Exporters to China (Hong Kong) and Arabian markets.

Award winning journalist Gene Randall has moderated a debate designed to provide great insight into understanding the complexities of conducting business throughout the world in a period of heightened uncertainty. U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Officers from U.S. Embassies in North America ( Canada, Mexico) , Central America ( DR-CAFTA, Panama), South America ( Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru) and the Middle East ( Israel, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) will deliver up-to-date information on developing opportunities for U.S. business..

Please visit the web site, SAVE THE DATE, and put “conference participation” on your next DEC meeting agenda!! For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR) or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Click on the picture or link to view Video Presentation online - Courtesy of YouTube

The Politics of Trade-Tiffany Moore, Asst US Trade Rep

The Stakeholders of Trade-Daniel Griswold-Director of Cato Institute's Center for Trade Policy Studies

Video#1 Video#2 Video#3 "The China Trade Card" Trevor Houser-Director-China Strategic Advisory, William Zarit-Regional Director, Asia-U. S. Commercial Service, Richard Latham-Managing Director-Asland China Forgings, Neal Asbury-President-Greenfield World Trade

Arabian Peninsula-Peace Thru Prosperity -Gulf State 1/5 Nancy Charles-Parker, Sr. Commercial Officer, U. S. Embassy, Kuwait

Arabian Peninsula-Peace Thru Prosperity-Gulf State 2/5 Radi Al-Rashad, President and CEO, International Chem-Crete Inc

Arabian Peninsula-Peace Thru Prosperity-Gulf State 3/5 Michael Delong, Corp VP of Global Planning and Operations, The Shaw Group

Arabian Peninsula-Peace Thru Prosperity-Gulf State 4/5 Jesse Nasianceno, International Sales, Marathon Equipment

Arabian Peninsula-Peace Thru Prosperity-Gulf State 5/5 Zeca Gama, International Sales Manager, SureCrete Design Products

Saturday, October 20 2007, 8:30am to 12noon, Honolulu Ballroom #2 & #3, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, Hawaii USA - Presentation by Global Commerce Panel to 150 Distributors:

Donald Reynolds - Economist
William Zarit - Regional Director for the Dept of Commerce's U. S. Foreign Commercial Services (US&FCS)
Andrew K Peopoe - District Director, U. S. Small Business Administration
Johnson Choi - President, Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce; Executive VP and CFO, CMC Consulting Group Inc; Member, Hawaii Pacific Export Council, U. S. Dept of Commerce view Microsoft Power Point presentation
Tom Moore - CEO, Tropical Telecom Corp; Member, Hawaii Pacific Export Council, U. S. Dept of Commerce
Warren Bares - VP, J. Maxime Roy Inc, a Registered Ex-Em Bank Brokerage Firm, Lafayette, Louisiana

"Take your business to China & Asia Through Hong Kong" view Johnson Choi presentation online video#1/2 video#2/2 (courtesy of YouTube) view Microsoft Power Point presentation

"China India and Hong Kong - Opportunities and Challenges" view Tom Moore presentation online  video#1/1 (courtesy of YouTube)

Thursday, October 11, 2007, 11am-12:30pm EDT

Latest Trends in Brand Protection Strategies in China: Please join Chris Bailey, Executive (Partner) with Rouse & Co. International and Deputy Country Manager for China, based in Guangzhou in a discussion of the latest trends in devising brand protection strategies, budgets and performance targets, managing major cases, training and cooperation with enforcement authorities and outside agents, working with local business units suppliers and other partners to improve management of IP within your businesses.

The program is free. No special software or computer configuration is needed to participate; only a phone line and a computer with an Internet connection are necessary. To register for the September program, please send your contact information to ChinaIPR@mail.doc.gov. A registration confirmation, and dial-in/log-in instructions will be sent to you a week before the program. To learn more about the webinar series, please go to http://www.stopfakes.gov/events/china_webinar_series.asp

You are invited to attend the next China IPR Webinar program. Please feel free to forward this invitation to your contacts. It is open to all US industry and US government.

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (415) 691-6138 (San Francisco USA); (808) 524-5738 (Hawaii USA), (852) 8171-3118 (Hong Kong SAR) or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Friday, September 28, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. (EST) - Conference call with Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez update on pending Free Trade Agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama and South Korea

Listen to the 13 minutes audio presentation online

Hawaii Public Radio Station FM 89.3

“Business Beyond the Reef” to discuss the problems with imports from China, telling all sides of the story and then expand the discussion to revitalizing Chinatown - Listen to MP3 “Business Beyond the Reef” to discuss the problems with imports from China, telling all sides of the story and then expand the discussion to revitalizing Chinatown - Special Guest: Johnson Choi, MBA, RFC. President - Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce (HKCHcc) and Danny Au, Manager, Bo Wah Trading.

Sept 4 2007 5:00 - 6:00pm Honolulu Hawaii
(China & Hong Kong SAR time: Sept 5 2007 11:00am - 12noon)
(West Coast USA time: Sept 4 2007 8:00 - 9:00pm)
(East Coast USA time: Sept 4 2007 11:00pm - 12 midnight)

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (808) 524-5738, (852) 8171-3118 or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

Monday, Aug 20 2007 "A Discussion on Public/Private Strategies to Promote Commercialization of Renewable Energy Technologies" Presented by Joseph Neuhoff III of U.S. Dept of Commerce, Paul Dickerson of U. S. Dept of Energy, John Rei of Sopogy, Robert Shleser of ClearFuels Technology Inc and Janice Kato of Hawaii High Technology Development Corporation - It was attended by more than 100 people representing both private and public sectors, energy / utilities companies, various Chamber of Commerce, Members of the Hawaii Pacific Export Council of the U. S. Department of Commerce - Honolulu Office

http://www.hawaiienergypolicy.hawaii.edu

HOFEX Food Trade Show in Hong Kong - Join the Hawaii Delegation at the HOFEX Food Trade Show in Hong Kong, May 13-16, 2007

Why Exhibit your Food Products in Hong Kong?

(1) Ideal market platform for doing business in Asia, especially Mainland China and the booming Macau.
(2) The U.S. is second only to China in supplying food and seafood products to H.K.
Hong Kong is a “free port” with virtually no duties or tariffs.
(3) Affluent economy, consistent rule of law, transparent import regulations, free flow of capital, no import tariffs (except on alcoholic drinks), a sophisticated business infrastructure, and traders’ proficiency in English.
(4) Hong Kong (H.K.) imported $7 billion of high value food and seafood products from the world in 2005, $820 million of which came from the U.S. Total imports in 2006 are expected to increase by 6%. increase.
(5) Take advantage of the 22 million potential customers in Hong Kong --15 million Chinese tourists and 7 million Hongkongers.
(6) Save costs and co-exhibit in the Hawaii booth in the WUSATA pavilion with other local companies.
(7) Take advantage of pre and post show counseling from the Hawaii/Pacific Export Council.
WUSATA is offering a spin-off trade mission to Macau to HOFEX exhibitors at no additional charge.
(8) HOFEX 2007 is the 12th Asian International Exhibition of Food & Drink, Hotel, Restaurant & Foodservice Show. HOFEX 2005 recorded an astounding total of 28,604 trade visitors from 87 different countries. This impressive turnout reinforces HOFEX’s status as Asia’s leading international food and hospitality show providing the most effective trade platform for doing business in Asia. This biennial industry event is considered a must for local, regional and international professionals from the food and drink industry making the show an excellent opportunity for Hawaii companies to showcase their products in the growing Asian market.

Trade Show Co-exhibitor Participation Fee $500 (representing 1/4 of the booth cost) - Companies are responsible for all travel and hotel costs and expenses associated with decorating the booth and getting samples and displays to the Exhibition Hall. This participation fee is available on a first-come first-serve basis to Hawaii companies with rural operations outside of Honolulu.

For additional details on this event, please visit:

http://www.wusata.org/events/event_details.asp?eventID=681
See the 2005 show report at: http://www.hofex.com2
Hong Kong Retail Food sector Annual report GAIN Report: http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200611/146249619.pdf3 
Hong Kong Market Development Report Exporter Guide 2006: http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200610/146249250.pdf4 

Deadline to express interest: December 31, 2006 http://www.buyusa.gov/hawaii/33.html

For additional information, e-mail paul.tambakis@mail.doc.gov 

Sponsors: Hawaii/Pacific Export Council and the Commercial Service, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Hawaii Export Assistance Center.

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (808) 524-5738, (852) 8171-3118 or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF EXPORTING TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES ATTEND THE PRACTICAL “HOW TO” EXPORTING BOOT CAMP, NOV. 10

Businesses with their goals set on growth may want to join a trade mission to Asia, but often hesitate because they don’t understand how to start exporting. The Hawaii Pacific Export Council’s November 10 Exporting Boot Camp is designed for just those businesses -- looking to grow and interested in exporting – physical products, intellectual property or software. It’s a practical, hands on and how to guide through the steps: analysis, target market selection, setting objectives, building a marketing strategy and how to work with reps and buyers AFTER the sale. This boot camp is not about sitting and listening. Participants will walk away with a skeleton plan on how to begin exporting. And, export consultants Steve Craven, Kekepana International Services and former U.S. Commercial Service officer, and Chuck Steilen, marketing and exporting professor at Hawaii Pacific University and Chinese University of Hong Kong and marketing consultant to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will spend a full day going over exporting planning with any participant after the boot camp. The mistakes and successes of others are exemplary teaching tools and veteran exporters, Oils of Aloha, Simple Green and Pacific Stock, Inc. (intellectual property), will share their experiences. Bank of Hawaii economist Paul Brewbaker will start the program with an overview of exporting, and entrepreneur Peter Kay will talk at noon about his software exporting experience.

The Exporting Boot Camp will be held from 9 am to 4 pm., Friday, Nov. 10, at the Kapiolani Community College. Fee is $75 including lunch. To register: Provide name, name of company, address, phone and email contact information and check for $75 made out to Hawaii Pacific Export Council. Mail to: Exporting Boot Camp, c/o Pineapple Tweed, 1829 Bertram Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 Phone: 808-737-1904 Deadline: Nov. 1. Lunch only is $35.

The Hawaii Pacific Export Council (HPEC) encourages and supports exports that strengthen companies, stimulate economic growth and create jobs. HPEC works with the U.S. Export Assistance Center to provide opportunities to promote greater export activity at the local level while developing a trade assistance network.

HPEC members are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and initiate activities such as:
· Counseling of local businesses;
· Identifying export financing sources for businesses;
· Creating greater export awareness in the business community locally;
· Identifying issues that affect export trade and implementation of constructive suggestions for improvement, which are then communicated to appropriate bodies for action;
· Supporting programs and services of the U.S. Export Assistance Centers;

WEBCAST by U. S. Department of Commerce: Water Tech/Irrigation Companies Interested in the Chinese Market - Thursday, August 10, 2006

In recent years, China has begun to confront the growing concern for water scarcity. China’s agricultural sectors, as well as growing industrial and residential sectors, are demanding a huge increase in freshwater. U.S. exports of irrigation equipment to China have grown 30% since 2003. (Source: U.S. International Trade Commission).

Please join us for an exciting webinar on the water flow technology/irrigation sector in China and opportunities for U.S. suppliers!

Date: Thursday, August 10, 2006
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) / 5:00 PM PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
Location: Your Office or Home Computer
Duration: 1 hour 15 min
Cost: $25

Agenda Topics:
China’s Water Crisis
Market Opportunities and Prospect in the Water Tech/Irrigation Sector
Strategies and Best Practices

Speakers:
David Gossack – Commercial Attaché, U.S. Embassy Beijing
David DeChant – President, Vision Quest Intelligence; former International Marketer and Consultant, MD State Department of Agriculture
Jennifer Turner, PhD – Coordinator, China Environment Forum, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
John Roberts – President, Roberts Irrigation Products; President – Elect, Irrigation Association (invited)

Water Flow Highlights:
Less than 5% of land in China employs modern water-saving drip and sprinkling irrigation techniques. In the next five years, the Chinese government will spend US$4 million introducing foreign irrigation technology and equipment. (Source: China Council for Promotion of International trade). The Chinese government plans to set up “demonstration farms” to promote water-saving regulations and standards. (Source: China Ministry of Water Resources).

This webinar is valuable for water flow technology companies, particularly but not limited to irrigation, that are considering expanding into the Chinese market.

Click Here to Register! For payment information, please contact: Alicia Rios, San Joaquin Valley International Trade Association (SJVITA), at (559) 241-6566, or info@exportcenter.net. 

For questions, please contact Heather Tomasetti at (202) 482-3487 or Heather.Tomasetti@mail.doc.gov

For information, please contact: Johnson Choi at (808) 524-5738, (852) 8171-3118 or by email to jwkc8168@yahoo.com

April 26, 2006

Governor Linda Lingle Announces Hawaii's Partnership Agreement with Export-Import Bank to Grow Hawaii Export; in Partnership with Hawaii Small Business Administration, U. S. Dept of Commerce Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific District Export Council and DBEDT Recognized Four Hawaii Small Businesses for Their Export Success: FAT Law's Farm Inc, Noh Foods, Simple Green and Hawaii Pacific University.

Exim Bank President Video Presentation   Governor Linda Lingle Presentation

Discover new sales opportunities in a dynamic market - CHINA

Learn strategies and methods for American manufacturing and services exports to China from this U.S. Commercial Service webinar. Opportunities in China is perfect for new-to-market companies who want to be part of China’s rapid economic growth.

Learn about the following topics:

· Market opportunities and prospects for continued growth
· Bilateral and multilateral trade patterns
· Costs and benefits of alternative market entry strategies for American manufacturers
· Common risks and suggestions on how to ensure prompt payment, protect intellectual property rights and comply with Chinese standards

Hear directly from the experts.

Senior Commercial Officer Craig Allen from Beijing, China will discuss doing business in China and will be available to respond to industry-specific questions.

Consider the China Region.

· China is the 4th largest importer of agricultural goods.
· U.S. machinery exports have experienced healthy growth rising nearly U.S. $3 billion in value since 2000 to more than U.S. $7.2 billion in 2004.
· Best prospects for manufacturers include machine tools and tooling products.
· Best prospects for franchises include car rental, education, training, real estate, and dry cleaning and executive search.
· U.S. exports to China increased 28%, 22% and an estimated 19% in 03, 04 and 05 respectively. In 2005, China became our 4th largest export market.

Register Now!
Event: Opportunities in China Webinar
When: March 20, 2006, 2:00 p.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. PST
To Register: Contact Linda.Abbruzzese@mail.doc.gov for your access information and pass code.

Can’t make the live webinar? Register to watch the archived version and still submit questions that will be answered by our regional trade specialists.

December 5, 2005

Paul Tambakis will be leaving Hawaii soon! Please join other DEC members for a fond farewell and some holiday cheer at 12 noon for a lunch on December 5 from at the Courtyard Dining Room at the Pacific Club. Contract Piia Aarma piia@pineappletweed.com to RSVP

Listen to Paul Tambakis Holiday Message and Thank you notes NOTE: PAUL TAMBAKIS HAS LATER DECIDED TO STAY

Sept 9, 2005

Talk Story with Gregory M Wong, Commercial Officer, U. S. Department of Commerce at Foreign Trade Zone Room 258 today with Member of the Hawaii Pacific District Export Council and Members of the Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce

August 11, 2005

(L to R: Brenda Foster, Ed Case, Paul Tambakis & Johnson Choi)

Brenda Foster - New President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai China, Paul Tambakis - Area Director of the U. S. Department of Commerce Honolulu and Johnson Choi - President of Hong Kong.China.Hawaii Chamber of Commerce met with United State Congressman Ed Case at his Honolulu Office to discuss a wide variety of subjects including USA-China Trade Relationship, Efforts to help USA firms to export to China, Intellectual Property Issues in China, Unpeg of Chinese Yuan to the USA Dollar and many issues affecting long term business relationship between the two countries.

June 7 - 19, 2005

Hawaii Pacific DEC and & Hawaii DBEDT Co-Sponsored China Trade Mission, all interested parties should contact Mr. Alex Ho at AlexHo@dbedt.hawaii.gov

Special Message

March 1,  2005

Farewell from Grant Aldonas

Dear Friends:

As you may know, I have submitted my resignation as Under Secretary for International Trade to the President effective March 31. I want to thank all of you for your support and your friendship over the last four years. You represent the finest group of colleagues with whom I have ever had the pleasure to work.

I recall saying at our first "all hands" meeting that I believed those of us who work in the international trade arena serve a broader cause. That cause is to encourage freedom, expand prosperity, ensure justice and promote peace -- because that is what trade does.

Whenever we open a new market at the negotiating table, offer guidance to a first-time exporter, or level the playing field for American firms and workers, we contribute to that cause. We also help our neighbors around the world through trade by promoting prosperity, sharing our expertise and values, and opening new channels of communication and understanding that can lead to peace.

I have always felt that the best that can be said of anyone's endeavors is that they made a difference. Looking back at the many challenges we faced over the past four years, I can honestly say that, by dint of your commitment and service, we made a difference in the life of our nation
and our fellow Americans. I am certain that our nation's best years lie ahead and I have every confidence that you all will continue to serve our great country with the same excellence I have witnessed during my tenure here.

I wish you every success in that endeavor. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Grant Aldonas
Under Secretary for International Trade
United States Department of Commerce
Washington DC

February 16, 2005

HIGH TEA with Mary Delmege, Director, Pacific Southwest Region - U. S. Department of Commerce at, Waioli Tea Room, 2950 Manoa Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

October 19 - 21, 2004 National District Export Conference in Memphis, Tennessee

- High profile keynote speakers including:
- Secretary of Commerce Evans
- Mike Drucker, President of FedEx International
- President of Wal-Mart International
- Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (invited) , and many others

- Plenary and break out sessions on current export related issues
- Trade Policy
- Outsourcing
- Manufacturing
- Strategies & Resources for Exporters

- Networking with conference participants
- America's finest Exporters from small, medium and large companies
- Department of Commerce officials
- Other service providers to exporters

- Visit the world-famous "FedEx Hub"
- view the nightly sorting of millions of packages for world-wide delivery

- Enjoy Memphis - the jewel in the crown of the Mississippi River
- the vibrant Queen of the mid-South! - check it our here!

January 29, 2004

Ronald N Langston, National Director, Minority Business Development

   Governor Lingle is shown with (from left) Linda Marie Marmolejo, regional director of the San Francisco National Enterprise Center; Chiling Tong, deputy assistant secretary for Asia and the Pacific, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Ronald N. Langston, national director of the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency.

Ronald N Langston, National Director, Minority Business Development

• Date:  Thursday, January 29, 2004
• Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
• Place: 1 Capital District Building Room 410, 250 S. Hotel St, Honolulu HI 96813
• Program: MBDA initiative for minority-owned small Hawaii businesses.
• Cost: Hosted by Hawaii Pacific District Export Council
• RSVP: Paul Tambakis, Director, Honolulu Export Assistance Center by fax 808-522-8045 or by email to paul.tambakis@mail.doc.gov

Join the Hawaii Delegation in Singapore at Food & Hotel Asia 2004 April 20-23^rd

ENVIRO 04 Convention & Exhibition March 28 – April 1, 2004 Sydney Australia

August 20, 2003

Talk business with U. S. Under Secretary for International Trade Mr. Grant Aldonas and the Director of U. S. Dept of Commerce Honolulu, Mr. Paul Tambakis. Mr. Aldonas discussed the vast opportunities available for U. S. Company to explore the China market and how his office