Panda Diplomacy: A Mayor’s Quest To Bring Pandas From China To Hawaiʻi

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has embarked on a diplomatic mission to bring giant pandas from China to the Honolulu Zoo. This endeavor, which involved a trip to China and meetings with high-ranking officials, has already cost taxpayers around $30,000. The mayor approached the Chinese Consulate-General in Los Angeles, who advised him to go directly to China.

Once back, Blangiardi and his wife, a native of Beijing, met with multiple Chinese officials over a 10-day trip. This journey culminated in a 18-course dinner and visits to Fuzhou Panda World and the Great Wall of China. The mayor believes the pandas could triple the zoo's attendance, potentially reaching 1.5 million visitors per year.

China, in turn, benefits as the pandas act as ambassadors for their country. The Honolulu Zoo would be one of only two in the U.S. to host giant pandas, a status that comes with an estimated annual fee of at least $1 million and careful handling to avoid political issues. The mayor has written a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping to seal the deal.

While the likelihood of success is promising, much depends on maintaining positive international relations. If approved, the pandas could be a significant attraction, turning the Honolulu Zoo into a destination.