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PHOTO BY DENNIS ODA/DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM
It's crowded at Tanioka's in Waipahu with people ordering lots of poki, sashimi, sushi and other holiday local treats for the new year celebrations. Danilo Vile, Nicholas Kunz and Romel Basuel show some prime sashimi destined for new year party tables. (Photo by Dennis Oda)
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.
