Hawaii gov. plans China trip to promote tourism

HONOLULU — Gov. Linda Lingle says she'll likely travel to China in her final months of office to foster relations with tourism and government officials in the fast-developing Asian nation.

In her final address as governor before the Hawaii Tourism Conference, Lingle said Tuesday she is committed to getting direct flights between Honolulu and China.

Lingle has visited China four times as governor, the latest in June.

The governor also spoke on the importance of next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Honolulu and making sure residents are involved in Hawaii's tourism efforts.

Lingle received a standing ovation before the more than 400 tourism industry leaders attending the annual conference at the Hawaii Convention Center.