Help on Question 31 for form DS156

XBT or other people -

DS 156
Q31 - have you ever been refused a U.S. visa?

first time when I applied US visa and got rejected in 1999. Should I still need to fill out YES for this question?

I will fly to hongkong and stay there for one week then back to home in mainland for another week. Do I need hongkong visa for the departing flight in Hongkong?

Thank you.