Shocking news out today. Aloha Air, which had recently shuttered its passenger operations, on April 29 closed down its profitable air cargo operations after no buyer would bite (no surprise -- the Airline Pilots Association had threatened to strike). Aloha carried roughly 85% of all inter-island air freight, which meant the majority of the high-end Outer Island produce. So chefs on Oahu and in other big resort areas are going to be left scrambling to fill the gap. Be forewarned that menus are going to look somewhat wan with gaps as the Outer Islands have been the source of most of the really primo produce (tomatoes, asparagus, lettuce, mangoes). Also, expect prices on local produce to soar in supermarkets around the state. Imported food products that are perishable, likewise, will likely soar in prices, too, as Aloha Air had supplied Outer Island restaurant supply companies with plenty of food stuffs. All told, yet another sad chapter.

—Alex, 04/29/08