Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares released this statement today:

This is a very sad day for all employees of Aloha Airlines. Their employees are part of our community, and our hearts go out to them during this difficult transition. Aloha Airlines has over 500 Maui employees and has been the county's 11th largest private employer. The company has served our local businesses, brought together families on different islands and has given our schoolchildren many opportunities to

experience off-island field trips. Aloha Airlines has had a good relationship with our entire community, and they will undoubtedly be missed.

The loss of Aloha Airlines' passenger service is a blow to our economy, lifestyle and the welfare of all affected. Time will tell just how severe the ripple effect will be, particularly for the neighbor islands.

As residents, businesses, visitors and even government travelers begin to scramble for alternate accommodations, we recognize that the seriousness is far deeper for the employees and their families. As they navigate through this difficult time, the reality of the situation and the gravity of its impact will be felt for quite some time.

I have been in touch with the Maui Visitors Bureau, who is working with the airports, airlines and visitors industry to provide information and support to those who may be affected. I am confident that they will do everything they can to provide assistance to our visitors. Our workforce development programs and community services will step forward to assist those directly impacted as best as they can.

Aloha Airlines started its scheduled passenger service in the early 60's with a flight to Maui and I understand that their final flight will now take place 61 years later traveling from Maui to Honolulu.