Hawaiian implements fee for first checked bag By: Shane NelsonSeptember 09, 2009Beginning Sept. 14, Hawaiian Airlines will charge $10 for the first checked bag. "Our costs continue to rise and fares have simply not kept pace," said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. "We’ve held the line on this fee as long as possible, but have to remain competitive."Hawaiian noted that its three main competitors on interisland routes already charge for a first checked bag. Items exempt from the fee include child car seats, carriers, strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes. Passengers exempt from paying the checked-bag fee include elite-level customers, premium-class passengers, military and government travelers and those holding international tickets that include points within Hawaii.