Use Transferwise, problem solved.
So I checked... The online form has my US bank account number pre-populated. The paper form that I completed included the wire information. I am assuming that that wire info is in their system.
I don't see what the problem is.
If you want an easier way to send money, then use a third party service.
I don't know about wire transfer, but for local inter-bank transfer or even transferring to another BEA account I had to fill in a form to add them as designated accounts and submit it to a branch. They consider it a security measure.
Said form: https://www.hkbea.com/pdf/en/application-form/PB5.pdf
There is another form where you can enable transfer to non-registered bank accounts: https://www.hkbea.com/pdf/en/application-form/PB30.pdf
And then there is yet another form for changing the daily transaction limit: https://www.hkbea.com/pdf/en/application-form/PB37.pdf
Citi priority's wire transfers are quite convenient. Free to non-citi accounts as well and no need to fill in forms for the bank to pre-approve.