The state's second largest airline, which filed for bankruptcy protection in December, reported an operating loss of about $2 million on revenues of $31.1 million for the month.

September is traditionally a slow period for the local airline industry but Aloha also was affected by rising fuel costs. The airline said it spent about $8.6 million for aviation jet fuel last month.

Aloha posted an operating income of $2.6 million in August, which was the airline's fourth consecutive profitable month.

The company, which plans to emerge from bankruptcy under new ownership by the end of the year, is in the process of terminating its pensions with its pilots union. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris, who has held hearing on the matter during the past two weeks, will hear final arguments on the motion on Tuesday.

Hawaiian Telcom CEO joins board of telecom trade group

The United States Telecom Association announced today that Michael Ruley, Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Telcom, has joined the Board of Directors for the telecom industry's leading national trade association.

As one of the newest members of the Board, Ruley joins an elite group of telecom leaders who work together through USTelecom to advocate on behalf of the industry and to help member companies navigate the rapid changes in the new world of communications.

USTelecom is the premier trade association representing service providers and suppliers for the telecom industry. USTelecom represents more than 1,200 companies offering a wide range of services across the communications platforms, including voice, video and data over local exchange, long distance, wireless, Internet and cable services.