WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the addition of two witnesses for a Full Committee hearing on Challenges Facing Hawaii’s Air Service Market scheduled for today, at 2:30 p.m. The additional witnesses are Mr. Barry Fukunaga, Chief of Staff for Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and Mr. Leslie Murashige, Chief Operating Officer of Island Air. The full witness list is below.

 

The State of Hawaii is uniquely dependent on air service due to its distinctive geography. Recently, Aloha Airlines (Aloha), one of the state’s largest and nation’s oldest carriers, declared bankruptcy and ceased passenger operations. In addition, the state has experienced problems with air service to small, isolated communities among the islands over the past several years. This hearing will examine the current status of the Hawaii air service market, the implications of Aloha’s bankruptcy declaration, and service to rural communities in the state. Senator Inouye will preside.

 

Date:  Thursday, April 10, 2008 

 

The Honorable Mazie K. Hirono, United States Representative, State of Hawaii

 

Mr. Barry Fukunaga, Chief of Staff, Governor Linda Lingle, Hawaii State Capitol

 

Mr. Michael W. Reynolds, Acting Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Aviation and International Affairs, U.S. Department of Transportation

 

The Honorable Vincent K. Snowbarger, Deputy Director for Operations, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

 

Mr. David Banmiller, Chief Executive Officer, Aloha Airlines

 

Mr. Charles Willis, Owner and Chairman, Island Air

 

            Accompanied by Mr. Leslie Murashige, Chief Operating Officer, Island Air

 

Mr. James C. May, President and Chief Executive Office, Air Transport Association