Samoans and Tongans residing in Hawaii have presented a petition to Samoa's Polynesian Airlines to continue the weekly flight Polynesian currently operates from Apia to Honolulu.
American Samoans who signed the petition say their livelihood depends on it.
The petition said that travellers do not want to go through the hassle of American Samoa's entry permit requirements and stopover in Pago Pago on route to Apia.
Polynesian Blue, the new airline formed between Virgin Blue and Polynesian, is currently in negotiation with Hawaiian Air over a possible code share arrangement for the route.
