First commercial flight by Hawaiian Airlines pushed back

hawaiian-air-at-tafuna

Word is out that the first commercial flight by Hawaiian Air from Honolulu to Pago Pago has been delayed,

The flight was scheduled for August 26 but according to medical personnel who spoke with KHJ News the flight has been pushed back to the first week of September.

KHJ News sent questions to the Chairman of the Covid-19 Task Force Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale however there was no immediate response.

Acting Director of Health Vesi Fautanu said in response to our questions that the reason for the delay is because the selection of a contractor for the Talofa Pass registry needs to go through the procurement process. He said the additional time would allow a second contractor to submit a bid to develop the website which would be used to screen and approve all travelers entering American Samoa.

KHJ News understands that ASG had been negotiating with one contractor. However, it has been advised to go through competitive bidding before a contract is signed.

At a hearing of the House Health Committee on Tuesday, Task Force Vice Chairman Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala’ilima Utu testified that the government was still negotiating with the company that’s developing the website.

Acting Director of Health Vesi said at the hearing that the territory would use the same registration system like Hawaii’s for travelers entering American Samoa.

Asked about a possible date for the first commercial flight for Hawaiian Airlines, Vesi said that it’s moved to the first week of September.