EDITORIAL
State economy depends on easing visa restrictions

Gov. Linda Lingle's idea of an easy-to-get "Hawai'i only" visa for visitors from Asia was intriguing, but most likely unworkable in today's technological and political climate.

Still, we're pleased to see that Lingle has made the overarching issue of visa restrictions a highlight topic during her visit to Washington this week.

It is critical that legitimate security concerns do not stamp out legitimate business and leisure travel from our friends in Asia. While travel from most European nations remains a relatively hassle-free experience, paperwork requirements for travel from Asia have been considerably tightened.

Today, visitors from China, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan and other countries must go through a thorough, time-consuming process before they can get a travel visa to the United States.

At a minimum, Lingle says, travelers should be able to secure a multiple-entry visa. This is important for business people. And it might encourage repeat visits from leisure travelers.

Lingle will discuss this and other issues in a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

Her request should be given serious consideration. Hawai'i's economic lifeblood depends on free and easy travel to and from the Islands.