The September 11th attack
Cayetano letter seeks airlines' kokua
By Robbie Dingeman
and Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writers
Gov. Ben Cayetano has sent a letter to the chief executives of airlines doing business in Hawai'i urging them to take care of their workers, the community and improve customer service by rehiring furloughed workers and spending more on security.
Advertiser library photo • June 1999
In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing drop in travel demand, the nation's airlines have laid off more than 100,000 workers and reduced flights by as much as 20 percent. The cuts have been felt in Hawai'i, as well, with national carriers reducing operations here, and the state's two locally based carriers furloughing more than 650 workers and cutting dozens of routes.
Hundreds of workers at Honolulu International Airport have been furloughed since Sept. 11. Gov. Ben Cayetano sent a letter this week to airline executives, urging them to rehire workers "to boost customer service."
In a candid letter, Cayetano notes the efforts made by government officials to help the struggling airline industry, specifically referring to the $15 billion aid package passed by Congress and the state's quick action in suspending airport landing fees.
Cayetano communications director Jackie Kido said the letter was signed by the governor over the weekend and left the office Tuesday morning.
"On numerous occasions it has been brought to my attention that cutbacks in air carrier staff have been too severe to accommodate the smooth flow of passengers, resulting in long lines at check-in counters," Cayetano wrote. "Rehiring laid-off airline personnel to boost customer service and spending more money to increase security staff capabilities are modest measures the airlines can take to get people flying again — and keep them coming back.
"It is important to keep in mind that other sectors also deeply affected by the events of September 11, such as hoteliers, have received no similar support package. I must ask your kokua in taking care of the community that has taken care of you, and that you put forward your strongest efforts to work with all of us in re-growing our visitor industry."
Cayetano was en route to Hawai'i from Japan last night and could not be reached on whether any airline executives have responded to his letter. None of the executives could be reached for comment last night.
Hawaiian Airlines spokesman Keoni Wagner said he had not seen the letter and therefore could not comment on it. But Wagner said the airline is doing its best to make traveling as pleasant as possible.
"We are very sensitive to the problem of longer lines at the airport caused by the enhanced security guidelines," Wagner said. "We have been working very closely with the state to find ways to address that problem."
