"Snub-nosed dogs" denied on Hawaiian Airlines?

[Rumi in Hawaii]

Aloha all, I've been off island and off Punaweb for a couple years now, and want to come over for a month-long visit. I've acquired a Shih Tzu, now 19 months old. We've gone thru the blood testing thru Kansas lab, we're all set, but now finding that Hawaiian (and other airlines) are reluctant to take "snub-nosed dogs AND cats"..... they want you to sign a release before they'll even consider it. Have NO problem signing a release, but sure don't want to endanger my pup! He's healthy, young, but we do know he doesn't handle high heat well (neither do I, which is why I like Mountain View!). We would have to fly into Honolulu, then onto Hilo. And of course, back again after our month-long visit (and maybe house-hunting).

So my question is, does anyone have any stories, good or bad, about flying your "snub-nosed dog" into the island? Any suggestions?

Mahalo.
Katie

Wherever you go, there you are.