|
|
Akaka Urges Customs to Help Asian Visitors by Adding Japanese, Chinese and Korean Translations
CBP program only offers English, Spanish, French, and German language videos to international visitors arriving in Honolulu
May 1, 2008
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, sent a letter today urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff to add Asian language translations to videos for international tourists processed at Honolulu International Airport. Akaka praised the selection of Honolulu, one of the top U.S. destinations for international travelers, as one of 18 additional airports to be part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Model Ports Initiative: "This program has the potential of making Hawaii's international tourists feel even more welcome and relaxed as they arrive in the Aloha State," Akaka said. "Currently, the video that will assist travelers with the customs and immigration process is offered in Spanish, French, German, and English. I am concerned that information provided only in Western European languages will not benefit the majority of foreign visitors to Hawaii and thus jeopardize the effectiveness of the Model Ports Initiative." Akaka noted that over 1.8 million international tourists flew into Hawaii last year; over 1.3 million from Japan, and well over 100,000 from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. CPB's press release announcing the expansion of the program can be found at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/04252008_2.xml Akaka's letter to Chertoff appears below: April 30, 2008The Honorable Michael ChertoffSecretaryDepartment of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528Dear Mr. Secretary:I am pleased that Honolulu International Airport was selected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as one of the additional 18 airports to be part of the Model Ports Initiative. This program has the potential of making Hawaii's international tourists feel even more welcome and relaxed as they arrive in the Aloha State.The multilingual approach the Model Ports Initiative provides is particularly important to me. I understand the CBP is in the process of gathering data on other languages used by arriving passengers to help identify future language requirements for this program. Currently, the video that will assist travelers with the customs and immigration process is offered in Spanish, French, German, and English. I am concerned that information provided only in Western European languages will not benefit the majority of foreign visitors to Hawaii and thus jeopardize the effectiveness of the Model Ports Initiative.Since Hawaii has many visitors from the Pacific Rim, I urge you to also offer this program in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. In 2007, over 1.8 million international tourists flew into Hawaii; over 1.3 million from Japan, and well over 100,000 from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.Thank you for considering the inclusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean into the Model Ports Initiative for Honolulu International Airport. My point of contact for this matter is Mr. Joel C. Spangenberg.Sincerely,Daniel K. Akaka Chairman Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia -END-
Year: [2008] , 2007 , 2006 , 2005 , 2004 , 2003 , 2002 , 2001 , 2000 , 1999 , 1900
May 2008
- Akaka Holds Hawaii Field Hearing on Federal Workers' Pay [May 29, 2008]
- Akaka Urges VA to Work With DoD to Address Increase in PTSD Cases [May 28, 2008]
- Filipino WWII Veterans to Thank Senator Akaka in Honolulu for Fighting for Recognition of Their Military Service [May 23, 2008]
- Akaka Holds Hearing on Security Clearance Reforms [May 22, 2008]
- Akaka Reacts to Votes on Iraq Policy, Funding and GI Bill [May 22, 2008]
- Committee Reviews Pending Veterans' Health Legislation [May 21, 2008]
- Akaka Cosponsors Warner Amendment Protecting Transerability of GI Bill Benefits to Family Members [May 20, 2008]
- Inspector General Report Finds That VA Continues to Inaccurately Report Patient Wait Times [May 19, 2008]
- Akaka Calls for Senate Support of 21st Century GI Bill [May 19, 2008]
- Farm Bill Draws Support of Isle Congressional Delegation [May 16, 2008]
- Akaka Requests Documents and Investigation of Veterans Affairs PTSD Diagnosis Following Disturbing Email [May 16, 2008]
- Akaka Calls VA Employee's Suggestion to Misdiagnose Veterans Disturbing and Disappointing [May 16, 2008]
- Veterans Business Resource Centers Get Critical Funding [May 15, 2008]
- Akaka Uses Oversight Authority to Formally Request Suicide Data from Department of Veterans Affairs [May 15, 2008]
- Senators Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Retirement Benefits for Federal Workers in Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. Territories [May 13, 2008]
- Success of Major DHS Acquisitions Depends on Clear Contract Requirements, Performance Standards [May 8, 2008]
- Hearing on Pending Veterans' Benefits Legislation [May 7, 2008]
- Senate Committee Approves Kalaupapa Memorial [May 7, 2008]
- More Data on Veteran Suicides Disclosed [May 6, 2008]
- More Data on Veteran Suicides Disclosed [May 6, 2008]
- Akaka Discusses Veteran Suicides with Veterans Affairs Secretary [May 5, 2008]
- Investigation of Veterans Nonprofit Research Corporations Finds Need for Stronger Oversight [May 5, 2008]
- Akaka Introduces Bill to Strengthen VA Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention [May 2, 2008]
- Senators Announce Additional Funding for National Center on PTSD [May 2, 2008]
- Akaka Introduces Bill to Help Veterans Refinance Homes [May 1, 2008]
- Hearing on Guam Military Build-up [May 1, 2008]
- Akaka Urges Customs to Help Asian Visitors by Adding Japanese, Chinese and Korean Translations [May 1, 2008]
- Follow-up Inspector General Investigation Finds Unmet Needs Among Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury [May 1, 2008]
|
|