HONOLULU -- There is a new proposal to cut the red tape and reform visa policies in the U.S.

It’s called the VISIT USA Act, and it aims to make it easier for visitors from China and Canada to visit Hawaii and the rest of the U.S.

If the bill becomes law, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono projects Hawaii will see an additional 300,000 visitors from China and Canada annually.

"We all have heard stories about how difficult it is for the people in China to get visas,” Hirono said.

Hirono co-introduced a bill with Rep. David Dreier (R-CA) that would allow Chinese visitors to apply for 5-year, multiple-entry visitor visas, instead of the current 1-year visa.

The proposal would also allow extra fees to expedite visa processing, which currently takes about 48 days; lower visa fees in off-peak seasons to encourage more applicants when the demand is lower; and create a video conference pilot program to interview visa applicants.

"We recognize this isn't going to cost a lot of money. It is going to infuse a lot of money into our economy,” Hirono said.

"So a bill like this helps to open up all our markets. It makes Hawaii more accessible. The ease of access to Hawaii is so important,” said Hawaii Tourism Authority president and CEO Mike McCartney.

McCartney projects the proposed reforms could translate into 6,000 new jobs and bring in an additional $55 million in state tax revenue.

The proposal would also extend visas for Canadian retirees from the current 180 days to 240 days.

Hirono hopes Congress passes the Act this year.