Hawaiian Airlines has said it does not believe Governor Togiola Tulafono has the authority to ban the carrier from operating in and out of American Samoa.
Last week, the governor issued an executive order giving the airline 90 days to withdraw from the territory, while a replacement is been sought.
The governor is concerned that Hawaiian is overcharging on routes out of Pago Pago.
Hawaiian Air spokesman, Keoni Wagner, said the airline was confident that the Executive Order has no legal power and disappointed that Governor Tulafono has taken this action.
Keoni Wagner said Hawaiian has responded in good faith to all of the governor's concerns and had offered to discuss them face-to-face, but Togiola has so far refused to meet.
