Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air, which announced three months ago it would be suspending flights from seven mainland cities to Hawaii, now plans to cut nearly half of its Honolulu-based full-time flight attendant positions.

The union representing Allegiant flight attendants in their first-ever contract negotiations said the airline has informed those employees that it will cut 17 positions, or 45 percent, of the 37 full-time positions in Hawaii. The Transport Workers Union said the company is recommending that Hawaii-based flight attendants bid on open jobs in other cities and is offering to pay up to $3,000 in moving expenses. The TWU said the amount likely will cover only a portion of the relocation to the mainland.

Allegiant, which connects primarily secondary cities to leisure markets, said in April that it will cease flights due to "a seasonal hiatus" beginning Aug. 14 from Boise, Idaho; Eugene, Ore.; Phoenix; Spokane, Wash.; and the California cities of Fresno, Stockton and Santa Maria.

Jessica Wheeler, spokeswoman for Allegiant, said Tuesday that Boise and Spokane service will be resumed for the holiday season.

Three routes remain unaffected by the suspension of service. Allegiant still will offer flights between Las Vegas and Honolulu, and to both Maui and Honolulu from Bellingham, Wash.