March 6, 2026

Dear members and friends,

Over the past eight weeks, a dedicated research team from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), in partnership with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, has achieved significant milestones in documenting the current social and economic landscape of Honolulu’s Chinatown. This initiative aims to develop actionable, community-driven solutions that leverage the district's unique cultural strengths to combat modern challenges.

Research Methodology & Data Collection

To ensure a comprehensive and credible assessment, the student team employed a dual-track research strategy:

• Stakeholder Interviews: Conducted over 20 in-depth interviews with a diverse cross-section of leaders, including 10 nonprofit executives, 8 business leaders, and 4 government officials.

• Merchant Surveys: Distributed surveys to 136 local merchants by going door-to-door to capture ground-level perspectives on business climate and security.

• Data Validation: Integrated quantitative crime statistics from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) to bridge the gap between public perception and recorded data.

Key Preliminary Findings

The research has illuminated several critical areas requiring attention:

• Safety & Perception: While total crime in Chinatown has decreased by an average of 13.5% annually since 2021, concerns regarding aggravated assault and the visibility of the homeless population remain high among merchants.

• Economic Barriers: Merchant feedback highlighted significant challenges with parking limitations, a slow permitting process (often taking 1–2 years), and aging infrastructure, particularly electrical systems.

• Tourism Gap: Current data indicates only about 5% of Oʻahu visitors stop in Chinatown, identifying a major opportunity for growth in cultural tourism.

Strategic Recommendations & Five-Year Goals

The forthcoming whitepaper will propose specific targets for the neighborhood’s revitalization by 2031:

• Economic Growth: Increase visitor attendance from 5% to 10% and extend average daily business operation hours to 10 hours.

• Policy Support: Advocacy for Bill 10 to expedite permitting and the creation of tax incentives for the renovation of historic buildings.

• Community Activation: Implementing community calendar for events and street markets and establishing a cooperative property security network among businesses.

Next Steps

The team is currently finalizing the formal whitepaper, which synthesizes these narratives into a unified roadmap for government, business, and nonprofit stakeholders.

The full report is scheduled for public release shortly. This document will serve as a consolidated voice for the community and a basis for future legislative and private investment decisions.

Aloha Chamber members and YPs,

Ever felt nervous about which wine to order at a client dinner? Are you curious about what foods pair best with different types of wine? The YP group has the answer! Please join us on Thursday, March 19th for a fun and educational sommelier workshop at The Collection (600 Ala Moana Blvd) from 6:00-8:00pm. Light pupu will be served.

Our sommelier for the evening, Liane Fu, is extremely knowledgeable in the world of food and wine. She will educate the group on the different dimensions of wines and will help attendees feel more confident and make more informed decisions when it comes to wine!

First come first serve guest parking is available at The Collection. There is also paid street parking around The Collection and paid parking at SALT Kaka'ako (691 Auahi Street). Please RSVP by Monday, March 16th using the links below:

$25.75 YP/CCH Members

$36.05 Guests

Be there or be square,

YP Board

The Chinese Chamber is proud to announce the 76th Narcissus Queen Goodwill Tour, a remarkable 14-day journey tracing the ancient Silk Road across China. This year’s delegation will travel from the modern skyline of Shanghai through the breathtaking landscapes of Xinjiang and Gansu Provinces, concluding in the historic capital of Beijing.

This thoughtfully curated itinerary combines cultural heritage, historical exploration, and meaningful goodwill exchange, continuing our long-standing tradition of strengthening international friendship.

Tour Dates

May 31 – June 13, 2026

Journey Highlights

• Shanghai – Gateway to China

Our delegation begins in Shanghai before flying westward to explore China’s legendary frontier regions.

• Urumqi & Heavenly Lake

In Urumqi, members will visit the vibrant Grand Bazaar and experience the spectacular Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), nestled in the Tianshan Mountains.

• Turpan – Oasis of the Silk Road

Discover ancient engineering at the Karez Irrigation System, admire the historic Emin Minaret, and explore the ruins of Gaochang and Jiaohe — once thriving Silk Road cities.

• Dunhuang – World Treasure of Buddhist Art

A major highlight is the visit to the world-renowned Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring centuries of Buddhist murals and sculptures. Members will also experience the magical landscapes of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, and enjoy the acclaimed cultural performance Music in Dunhuang.

• Jiayuguan – Western Gateway of the Great Wall

Tour the magnificent Jiayuguan Pass, known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven,” marking the western end of the Ming Great Wall.

• Zhangye – A Natural Wonder

Marvel at the stunning rainbow-colored formations of Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, followed by a traditional Yugur ethnic banquet.

• Lanzhou & Beijing

Walk along the Yellow River Scenic Corridor in Lanzhou before flying to Beijing for the final leg of the goodwill visit and departure home.

The 76th Narcissus Queen Goodwill Tour promises an unforgettable experience, from the deserts of Dunhuang to the Great Wall’s western frontier; celebrating culture, history, and friendship along the ancient Silk Road.

We encourage members to reserve early, as space is limited. Let us travel together in the spirit of aloha and international goodwill. 

Tracy Tonaki, President of D.R. Horton Hawaii, will be the featured speaker for the annual Flores Real Estate Lecture Series. Her presentation topic is “Building Homes for Hawaii’s Families.”

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026  6 pm to 7:30 pm

Location: Moana Surfrider Hotel, 2365 Kalakaua Ave

Parking: Complimentary self-parking at Princess Kaiulani Hotel

RSVP by March 16, 2026:

shidler.hawaii.edu/realestate

For additional information:

Jamie Watanabe, 808-956-0323, jamie.watanabe@hawaii.edu

Chinese Chamber Calendar:

March 6 2026 General Election - Chinese Chamber Office

May 31- June 13 2026 Narcissus Goodwill Tour to China-Shanghai, Xinjiang, Gansu and Beijing

Address:

8 S King St, Suite # 201

Honolulu, HI 96813

Tel: (808) 533-3181