Aloha's pilots are both admirable and smart. If you spent any time in Hawaii you would know how much Aloha meant to the islands.
Aloha was founded as a local carrier and has always had more of a local flavor than Hawaiian. Back when Aloha started there was discrimination against native Hawaiians and the multicultural ethnic stew that most Hawaiians possess as their heritage. Aloha was started with the intent to serve Hawaiians and they did so for many years. Hawaiian Airlines has not neglected the local market by any means but they have always flown to the mainland and other destinations outside Hawaii. Aloha until recently had limited service outside Hawaii. Aloha was regarded as the tough little brother, the scrappy one.
The Aloha spirit is what drives these pilots to save their jobs and their company. Aloha Cargo is a necessity for interisland shipments of time sensitive freight. The Aloha pilots see their task as protecting their Hawaiian O'hana (family). I have a great deal of respect for these guys and we could all learn a lesson about sacrifice for the greater good.
But, hey, some guys would rather burn the house down, the house they never owned.