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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Aloha unveils lower Net fares

By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer

Aloha Airlines' lower online fares drew cautious praise from one Neighbor Island legislator, who remains concerned that those who can't get to computers won't reap the benefit of the cheaper tickets.

Aloha Airlines yesterday announced that its AlohaPass members can buy one-way interisland fares for as low as $59 by booking online.

Aloha's $59 and $69 coach rates are limited and subject to change fees. But the airline also announced new $79 and $89 one-way coach fares and $99 first-class tickets for unrestricted, interisland tickets that do not have change fees.

The new rates for AlohaPass members who book online had been anticipated since last week when Glenn Zander, Aloha president and chief executive, announced a new fare program at a private meeting with legislators.

Legislators had asked for the meeting in response to complaints about the rise in costs for interisland travel and the availability of flights, particularly since Sept. 11.

"We are responding to the people who live and work and fly frequently in Hawai'i, who have told us they want lower fares and less hassle," Zander said in a statement yesterday.

State Rep. Eric Hamakawa, D-3rd (Hilo, Kea'au, Mountain View), one of the legislators who met with Zander last week, called yesterday's announcement "a positive step, but I'm concerned about people who don't have ready access to a computer.

"We need to make sure the pricing of local airfares is fair to everyone," he said.

Tickets may be purchased one day prior to travel and there is no charge to become an AlohaPass member.

Hawaiian Airline officials yesterday could not verify that new rates had gone into effect for Aloha.

"But if there has been a change, you can count on us to be competitive," Hawaiian spokesman Keoni Wagner said.

A quick online search by The Advertiser for the $59 Aloha fares yielded at least one hit and several for the $79 and $89 fares.

The group of legislators is scheduled to meet separately Friday with representatives from Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Island Air.

Rep. Jerry Chang, D-2nd (Hilo), chairman of the House Committee on Tourism, said he's looking "to see if we can get our other two air carriers to take similar steps."

Reach Dan Nakaso at 525-8085 or dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com.