"This idea, rumored for years, is gaining traction again among insiders because of Hawaiian Airlines’ crucial role."........LOL insiders you mean like Pilots at thier Crashpads and on each others jumpseat.

"Together, they could create a powerhouse that serves Hawaii travelers across the country while seriously taking on the big four airlines—Delta, United, American, and Southwest"

Oh I don't doubt it'd be a powerhouse but not because of the Hawaii markets. The sabrematricians at legacies will tell you Hawaii is basically a giant waste of money...it is only kept around to entice the frequent fliers with high status to cash in thier points.
The money is in the Transpacific market but a wee little bit more Eastbound like Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.

But this publication/website probably has a mostly Hawaiian readership so I am not surprised.