I have a theory that AA does not want to compete with Southwest or Hawaiian. Let me take the theory a little further and expound. AA does not want their customers redeeming AAdvantage miles held on their balance sheet to Hawaii. This is a very popular leisure route. If you make it easy to get to Hawaii you will have customers redeeming miles. AA wants you to sit on those miles while they devalue them thru their enhancement program. AA wants planes going places people pay in dollars not miles. Also if AA shortens this route they do not have to fully food cater the flight