Aloha, state in talks over money owed by airline

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

Transportation Department officials are negotiating with Aloha Airlines over nearly $1 million in back rent and landing fees the airline owes Hawai'i, officials said this week.

"We're working with Aloha to try to find a solution," said Davis Yogi, head of the airports division.

State records show the airline owes $980,000 in delinquent accounts; the airline says the amount due is closer to $705,000.

In part, the difference is due to money the airline owes on a fourth-floor baggage check-in area that it has been unable to use since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

"The overdue money is subject to ongoing negotiations," Yogi said. "They've got some reasonable claims and we're trying to work that out."

Aloha Airlines spokesman Stu Glauberman said the airline is working with state officials to reconcile the outstanding balance and plans to pay what it owes "very soon."