Date: 201703
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZHN.ARTCC, HI
Aircraft: Small Transport
Flight plan: IFR
Flight phase: Descent
Airspace: Class E ZHN
ATC / advisory: Center ZHN
Reporter organization: Government
Reporter function: Enroute
Reporter qualification: Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Workload
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Procedure
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: MKK Tower was told to HFR [Hold for Release] Aircraft X when he called to request his departure. An aircraft was inbound on the RNAV approach; and a second aircraft was about to enter holding over the VORTAC; to await his approach. MKK airport is one-in-one-out because MKK Tower is a contract tower; not operated by the FAA. HCF C enter needs to wait for the arrival or cancelation of an aircraft before a second aircraft may be cleared into the airport.When MKK Tower was told to HFR Aircraft X; the Controller at MKK Tower became argumentative and told me to hold my other aircraft and let Aircraft X depart. The MKK Tower controller also stated that I was delaying the aircraft on the ground. What the MKK Controller did not understand is that holding two aircraft so another aircraft to depart would cause delays to two aircraft; already in the air. The MKK controller also needs to understand that he does not call the sequence; HCF center calls the sequence; and HCF center also grants MKK tower approval to issue release of aircraft.  When MKK tower controller became argumentative; it distracted me from an already busy sector that was combined; without a D-side. I was working R3; R7; D3; & D7 combined. This is unacceptable. I told the MKK tower controller to call the desk because I did not have time to explain air traffic controller procedures to him.  Two Recommendations:First; MKK tower controllers need to be reminded that HCF center controls the airport and the release of all aircraft off the airport. HCF center determines which aircraft; in which order; will also land at that airport.Second; HCF management needs to open sectors when they are busy. D3 definitely should have been opened; and I also think R7/D7 should have also been opened. HCF management needs to staff positions; and not keep positions combined. We work combined sectors because of the short-staffing; and it is definitely a SAFETY ISSUE. HCF management needs to focus on the priority of aircraft safety by opening sectors. Right now; it seems a priority is to remove controllers from the floor to do computer training and recurrent training; and work short. If HCF management is required to have controllers do computer training and recurrent training during the busiest times of the day; overtime should be called to cover all the employees that are removed from the floor to have adequate staffing. Right now; staffing is poor; and it seems it's mostly due to having controllers removed from their positions to do computer training or recurrent training.




Synopsis: Honolulu Center Controller reported that another Controller wanted to change the sequence he had already set up; but was not his right to do so. The reporter described other issues relating to staffing.