“In early April I received a letter from a concerned constituent communicating that the fare hikes not only were substantial, but completely unanticipated, providing travel agents and travelers little time to prepare for the transition.  We have also come to learn that Hawaiian Airlines, the only commercial passenger airlines operating between Pago Pago and Honolulu, raised fares only between Hawaii and American Samoa, but not to any other destinations,” the Congressman said.

       “In mid April, Hawaiian Airlines drastically increased its fares to and from Pago Pago and Honolulu by at least 26%.  The new fares are now 16% higher than comparable routes from Apia to Honolulu on Polynesian Airlines, and 31% greater than fares between Papeete and Honolulu on Hawaiian.  Furthermore, fares to other U.S. destinations on Hawaiian have remained unchanged.”

       “While routes originating in Honolulu on Polynesian and Hawaiian Airlines admittedly have comparable fares at present, prices for tickets in the opposite direction, that is originating from American Samoa, are significantly higher on Hawaiian compared to other carriers operating in the South Pacific.  These are the changes that are affecting the residents of American Samoa who frequently travel to Hawaii.  I believe these changes are inexplicably unfair”.

       “The people of American Samoa deserve an explanation, and I too expect Hawaiian Airlines to respond to my concerns regarding this issue.  As the only commercial passenger airline operating in American Samoa, Hawaiian Airlines should be cautious to prevent the impression that they are behaving like a monopoly,” the Congressman concluded.