After this experience earlier today I went for a long walk before trying yet again to ticket my future flights, in order to reduce my blood pressure. This time I was surprised to actually reach HNL, and the agent was able to ticket all flights, reverse the $15 booking fee for each, process a paper discount travel certificate, manage exchange rates, and also empathized about my plight. The transactions were completed efficiently and with a wonderful attitude. Total time on the phone was less than 20 minutes to complete all transactions.
Great service, great recovery, but really this issue should not occur in the first place.
My lesson learned - I will in future call UA around this time in hopes of reaching this team again.
UA will receive a letter from me, and the agent will receive the positive feedback as well.