Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 18
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Workload
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Human Factors; Procedure
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.
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.