paradise ali

My heart goes out to all the Aloha Airlines ohana.  It’s a terrible shock to all of us that they are shutting down operations at the end of the day.  I don’t even know what to say.  While it is a sad inconvenience to the public, frequent flyers and, especially to the Merrie Monarch visitors here on the Big Island, the thought of so many jobs lost is devastating on so many levels.  Some have been employees for over 30 years and they will lose all their accumulated sick leave, vacation pay, and medical benefits with only a day’s notice.  There a few married couples who will lose both incomes.  It’s just tragic. 

Good luck to all of you and stay strong!  Depite everything, I have to believe that something better is waiting for you.