For Immediate Release: October 2, 2009
DBEDT Release News 09-28

Honolulu—Governor Linda Lingle helped launch the 7th Annual Splendor of China Festival and Trade Show which will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m. - 5p.m.

The Governor was joined by a delegation from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) led by Director General Xie Yuan as well as Ms. Frances Goo, President of the as well as the U.S.- China Peoples Friendship Association, Honolulu Chapter and Mr. Dennis Hwang, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (CCCH)

Presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the Splendor of China is sponsored by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), Hawaii Tourism Authority and the City & County of Honolulu.

"We are pleased to welcome our Chinese visitors to celebrate the continued collaboration of Hawaii with China and our growing trade and tourism relationship," said Governor Lingle.

This year's festival will feature an 82-panel exhibit commemorating the 30th anniversary of U.S. - China diplomatic relations.

Launched in Beijing in January 2009, the Exhibit has traveled through China and the U.S. to the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, and after Hawaii will go to The Carter Center in Atlanta to be permanently installed.

Through a series of nearly 400 photos and captions, the Exhibit takes viewers back to the 1784 maiden voyage of the American merchant ship the China Queen and its arrival in Guangzhou and through the 225 years that followed amidst global and domestic political, economic and social changes, historical events and wars.

The Splendor of China is the official launch of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii's annual Narcissus Festival, which is a series of events designed to preserve and showcase Chinese art and culture and to promote commerce. More than 10,000 people of all ages attend the popular cultural festival each year.

"We are very honored to be able to share so many unique and extraordinary aspects of our Chinese culture with our local residents and visitors to Hawaii," said Dennis Hwang, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. "Each year, we have been very fortunate to be able to showcase world famous talent and exhibits from China, as well as the fine products, entertainment, and services offered by our own local Chinese community. The Splendor of China is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the best that China offers in food, entertainment, shopping and cultural experiences."

For more information, contact:
Dave Young, DBEDT Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov