Ample supply of ahi expected to keep prices low

For New Year’s Eve revelers snatching up fresh ahi for Sunday celebrations, there appears to be enough supply to help keep prices down.

Ann Magusara bought 13 pounds of ahi Thursday from Tamashiro Market in Kalihi for her family, who she says believes that eating fish will bring prosperity in 2018.

“Every year we always have fish on our table for New Year’s Eve,” she said. “It’s our family’s superstitious belief. It’s good to have fish on the table; that’s why I buy now. I don’t like to buy on New Year’s Eve because it’s really expensive and people are crazy. This place is going to be packed.”

Market owner Guy Tamashiro said the catch has been plentiful, which hopefully means prices will remain steady at $10.95 to $34.95 per pound. In past years the lowest price was around $15, he said.

“We’re pretty lucky so far. We have a lot of fish. That helps keep the low end down,” he said Thursday. “On the high end it’s always a fight for the best stuff. There’s only so much premium-grade fish that’s caught. Those always command a much higher price. This year, because of the good catches they’ve been having … middle and lower end so far is pretty reasonable.”

But even when prices are good, a spike in demand changes things.

“We don’t know how it’s going to play out. The smart shoppers actually shop early because they have the best selection,” Tamashiro said. “In terms of waiting until Sunday afternoon, we may be out of the least expensive ones by then. Right now (Thursday) demand is not that strong, so prices are not that stupid.”

Dec. 31 is a big deal in Hawaii, with many local families popping firecrackers and eating sashimi to ring in the new year.

“It’s for good luck,” said Waipahu resident Eddie Bettencourt, who was planning to buy the $34.95-a-pound bluefin at Tamashiro Market early Sunday morning — when lines are expected to reach the end of the block. “It’s once a year, you know. Might as well. I’ll come as early as I can. It’s worth it.”

Brooks Takenaka, general manager of the United Fishing Agency, also known as the Honolulu Fish Auction, said 140,000 pounds of fish were available for sale through today. Around the same time last year, there were about 110,000 pounds for sale at the Pier 38 auction — including a mix of opah, monchong, mahi, ono and ahi.

“Prices are all over. It all comes down to species, size, quality and the demand factor,” he said. “This time of year we’re all very busy. Demand is high. No matter how much we have, people always want more. We eat a lot more fish than anybody else in the nation. It’s part of our culture.”

The auction opened daily at 3 a.m. this week, earlier than the normal 5:30 a.m. start time.

Justin Tanioka, general manager of Tanioka’s Seafoods &Catering, said the store stopped taking New Year’s Eve orders last week for sushi and sashimi that costs $32.95 per pound. He estimates the business will fill roughly 400 pounds of sashimi orders.

“Hopefully, we sell more fish, and hopefully, people eat more because it’s more attractive prices,” Tamashiro added. “It’s a good time to eat, it’s a good tradition and it doesn’t hurt as much (pricewise). Some people like to pop fireworks, but I like to spend my money on food. I watch them pop fireworks and I eat my good fish. … We got to end it with a bang.”