Aloha Airlines announced today that it will "shut down passenger operations after March 31, 2008."
The 61-year-old airline filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 21, 2008.
The airline states that they are shutting down operations because they could not find a "qualified buyer" for their passenger service.
David A. Banmiller, Aloha Airlines' president and chief executive officer, stated that the airline's shutdown was because of "unfair competition." The airline's shutdown will affect 1,900 employees.

Aloha Airlines filed for and received Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection on March 21, 2008. The airline offers the following advice for its customers:

Q: Will tickets, coupons and reservations for future Aloha flights be honored throughout the reorganization process?
A: We will be asking the Bankruptcy Court to allow us to continue operations so that we can honor existing reservations, accept new reservations, and carry on our cargo and contract services businesses. As long as the Court accepts our financial plan to continue operating, it should be business as usual.
Q: Does the Chapter 11 filing affect the AlohaPass frequent flyer program?
A: As long as the Court allows us to keep operating there should be no change to the AlohaPass program.
Q: What if I am holding a reservation and will be traveling in the next 48 hours, can I still expect my Aloha flight to operate?
A: Yes as long as the Court allows us to operate.
Q: Will this affect the safety of Aloha Airlines operations?
A: Safety will always remain Aloha’s top priority.
Q: Will this mean a reduction in inter-island or transpacific flight schedules?
A: At this time we are not anticipating any reduction.
Q: Can passengers request a refund for unused unrestricted refundable tickets?
A: YES. There are no changes to Aloha’s refund and ticketing policies.

In cases of this kind, experts advise consumers to use credit cards if they choose to conduct business with companies in bankruptcy. The Fair Credit Billing Act states that credit card customers have the right to refuse to pay charges for services not rendered.

Hawaii will attempt to be the first state in the country to establish a wave energy project. Initially, the wave energy project will convert wave power to electricity for 3000 homes on Maui. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2009.
Through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, Hawaii has set a goal of having at least 70 percent of its power come from clean energy by 2030.
Governor Linda Lingle stated that Hawaii will be a "testbed" for solar, wind, wave, geothermal and bioenergy projects.
A press release from her office adds, "Hawaii is the most oil dependent state in America, with 90 percent of our energy supply derived from imported fossil fuels. The unconnected power grids of our islands and our location as the world’s most isolated archipelago add to the challenges. As a result, we pay the highest utility rates and transportation fuel costs in the nation."