Customers swarmed to fish markets to pick up sashimi for new years’ parties.

Prices for medium-grade ahi was $34.95 per pound, $4 higher than last year at Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering this morning.

"We ordered a lot earlier to make sure we get it," said Pearl City resident John Medlock. Medlock said he was concerned about supply after Hawaii’s longline fishing fleet reached a quota for ahi last month.

At Tamashiro Market in Kalihi, customers bustled in front of the counter to purchase fresh ahi priced at between $14.95 and $34.95 a pound. Kailua resident Charles Gall spent $160 on 2 1/2 pounds of premium-grade ahi, 2 pounds of hamachi, and tako and shoyu ahi onion poke. Gall, a 25-year customer, wasn’t fazed by the prices, just appreciative that hamachi was available. "It’s a nice addition," he said.