PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Despite a suggestion from Gov. Togiola T.A. Tulafono that the company pull out of the U.S. territory, Hawaiian Airlines says it has no plans to stop its flights to American Samoa.

"Feedback from other community leaders in American Samoa is not consistent with a decision for us to pull out of this market," airline spokesman Keoni Wagner said.

Hawaiian is the sole commercial passenger airline to serve the route between Honolulu and Pago Pago.

However, in a June 19 letter to Hawaiian president and chief executive officer Mark Dunkerley, Tulafono suggested the withdrawal of the company. The letter followed an exchange beginning early this year with the governor's request that Hawaiian's fares to Pago Pago be lowered.

Dunkerley explained that the operating costs are high for the American Samoa route, including high fuel costs, landing fees and local immigration and customs clearance fees.

After Tulafono accused the airline of mistreating American Samoan passengers, Dunkerley requested the two meet for a discussion. Tulafono refused.

The governor said he would only meet with Dunkerley if the company president planned to "discuss reparations to our people for past discriminatory conduct," and to promise to "treat the American Samoan people like he treats other Americans."

Tulafono then said it would be best for Hawaiian Airlines to withdraw from the Honolulu-Pago Pago route and for American Samoa to find another carrier.

Wagner said he has met with local people, community leaders and government officials in the territory to get feedback about Hawaiian's services.

The response was encouraging and included concern over some issues the airline has been working on, including the cost of travel, he said.

"There are a lot of reasons for our fares and fee structure, that if we have a chance to talk to people, there is a greater understanding," he said.

Wagner said community leaders are asking the airline not to leave American Samoa.

Territorial Senate president Lolo Moliga and House vice speaker Savali Talavou Ale met with Hawaiian officials Wednesday. Moliga said he was assured that service would continue to the territory and efforts would be made to address the concerns raised by the governor.

"I have asked the airline to clarify some of the issues alleged in the governor's letter to Hawaiian," Moliga said. "If they are proven to be true, then that is a different story altogether and there are proper avenues to address those issues."