HONOLULU -- Gov. Ben Cayetano sent a letter to Congress on Wednesday urging lawmakers to support the airline industry.

Since the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the airline industry has suffered massive cancellations and has announced thousands of job layoffs.

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Cayetano pointed out in his letter that Hawaii relies on airline flights for nearly all of its passenger travel, unlike the remaining 49 states.

"Tourism dominates Hawaii's economy. A weakened air carrier industry would have a devastating impact on our tourism industry, economy and quality of life," Cayetano said in his letter to House Transportation Chairman Rep. Don Young.

The nation's train service has seen an increase in travel after the terrorists hijacked four passenger planes.

The governor called the state's mayors and some business representatives together to discuss the economic impact the tragedy will make on Hawaii.