"We fly their jet aircraft safely for millions of passengers," said Boeing 767 Capt. David Wolz, 49, who will be forced by federal regulations to retire at age 60. "We’re holding up our end. The company’s not living up to their end of the deal."

The pilots walked an informational picket line on Bishop Street, outside a meeting of Hawaiian Airlines creditors. Hawaiian, the state’s largest airline, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March.

The issue surrounds a mandatory pension fund payment that was due Sept. 15. The payment hasn’t been made, and U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris gave Hawaiian bankruptcy trustee Josh Gotbaum until Oct. 24 to renegotiate an arrangement with the pilots or explain why he can’t make the payment.

A spokesman for the pilots union said Hawaiian’s pilots have no intention of bargaining over a pension plan that for many ranks as their most important labor issue. They were particularly angered by Hawaiian Airlines’ latest financial report that showed the company earned $20.3 million in net income for August — the best financial performance of the year.

"The bill is past due, the cash is there and we want the company to make the payment," said union representative Vance Tilley, a 767 first officer.

The Air Line Pilots Association International represents 300 active Hawaiian pilots and about 120 who have been furloughed but still are affected by the pension plan.

Hawaiian Airlines officials could not be immediately reached for comment.