Original routing was delayed, forcing a misconnect on both tickets.

On the first call to the EXP desk, the request was denied and referred to HNL airport staff.

HNL couldn't do it and referred me back to EXP, who rerouted the first ticket to PHL and fixed the second so that we use it to return. Guess I got a more accommodating agent this time.

Good outcome, but it could have gone either way. Hope I don't have to do this again!