This site says, yes, Hello Kitty is derived from the maneki neko, but it doesn't give any real evidence, other than the fact that "maneki neko" means "hello kitty."

Oh, for something disturbing. . . first column, three images down here -- a Hello Kitty dressed as a maneki neko. . .

Maneki nekos rule. We have several of them.

Cool! Maneki neko are very spiff.

I recently discovered sumo maneki neko figures at a San Diego coffee and art shop called Panikin. They are also available on the web here. I like their matte surface and archetypally simple curves, and also the fact that their fatness is symbolic of prosperity and good luck. Each color is supposed to draw a different kind of luck to you. That site also has tiny chubby maneki neko figures, which are adorable.

At Panikin I found a sumo tanuki in the maneki neko posture, and as I have liked tanuki since I saw the tanuki anime Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko, I took him home to live in my art collection. He is very fat, as befits the patron spirit of restaurants and dining, and I have grown very fond of him. I have not seen him anywhere on the web, but he looks to be made by the same factory as the sumo maneki neko.

Thanks for the link!