Lingle questions Aloha shutdown, will ask bankruptcy court for delay
Gov. Linda Lingle said she will ask a bankruptcy judge not to allow Aloha Airlines to shut down until she is satisfied the airline "exhausted all possible avenues for continuing its operations."
"We are deeply disappointed that Aloha Airlines has made the decision to cease operations of their interisland and transpacific passenger flights," Lingle said in a statement. "Our main concerns are threefold - first and foremost the 1,900 employees and their families, the need for continued air service for our residents and visitors, and protection of the state’s long-term fiscal and economic interests.
Lingle, a Republican, also said the state will ask the judge to make Aloha "provide sufficient time and proper notification to employees of the shutdown and that all additional steps be taken to protect the interests and rights of Aloha employees."
Federal law requires that most workers be given 60 days notice if their jobs are to end permanently under the closing of a plant or business.
Lingle said she will also ask to have Aloha’s financial information reviewed by the judge "to determine whether the shutdown is in fact necessary."
A hearing on the Aloha bankruptcy is scheduled for Monday afternoon in federal court in Honolulu guaranteed approval cash advance loans.
In the meantime, the state has assigned a special labor department team to help the 1,900 Aloha employees who could be almost immediately out of work.
Governor Lingle has also activated a Rapid Response Team to assist the approximately 1,900 employees that could lose their jobs as a result of Aloha Airlines’ decision to discontinue operations of its interisland and transpacific passenger service.
"Aloha Airlines employees, some of whom have multiple family members working for the company, have sacrificed a lot for the company through the years. They have been loyal and dedicated in providing quality service to their customers and they have been an important part of our community for generations. Their dedication to excellence has allowed Aloha to be recognized as one of the nation’s best airlines in on-time service. We fully understand the urgency Aloha’s decision has created for the employees and their families, and we will do everything we can to assist the employees during this very difficult time," Lingle said in a statement.