SQ redemption awards are based on zones. 82k miles is required from Zone 4 (HKG) to Zone 12 (West Coast); however, since SQ doesn't fly HKG direct to LAX you would need to fly to SIN. This would be your routing:
- HKG (Zone 4) to SIN (Zone 1) requiring 27.5k miles
- SIN (Zone 1) to LAX (Zone 12) via ICN requiring 88k miles
SQ agent is correct that 231k is required for 2 pax HKG-LAX. The website incorrectly displays 82k but correctly displays 115.5k when a flight is selected.
Flying HKG-SFO requires 82k miles.