The price of ahi for sashimi is about the same as last year and is expected to rise as the clock ticks closer to New Year's Day, an informal Star-Bulletin survey suggests.

But bottom fish such as onaga remain scarce and expensive, with some vendors speculating that they might sell as high as last year - $50 a pound.

High-grade ahi with a higher fat content and a more reddish color will probably sell close to $30 or higher per pound, fish retailers said.

But that depends on the supply and demand today and tomorrow.

There were relatively low prices yesterday for some ahi, including tombo or albacore tuna at below $7 a pound at Tamashiro Market Inc. in Kalihi.

Brooks Takenaka, assistant general manager at the United Fishing Agency, where fish are sold at auction to wholesalers, said 70,000 pounds of ahi arrived yesterday.

Takenaka said he is hoping to receive 100,000 pounds today and a fair amount on New Year's Eve so that prices can be affordable.

“;I'm just hoping weather conditions don't turn bad,”; he said. “;If we have a bunch, maybe the prices will come down. But it's still going to be high.”;

New Year's Day is the primary holiday for some residents in Hawaii, and they are willing to spend more for food than even at Christmas.

Takenaka said some seem to have the attitude that if they are going to suffer through a slow economy in 2009, let this New Year's Day be their last great meal.

Guy Tamashiro, vice president of Tamashiro Market, said the supply of ahi was lighter at Christmas than the same period last year.

But the supply of ahi, including bigeye and yellowfin tuna, increased yesterday, he said.

“;It's the first big day we've had,”; Tamashiro said.

Tamashiro said prices fluctuate with demand, and his business competes for seafood with wholesalers, restaurants and exporters.

Tamashiro said he has not tallied the numbers for this year, but said that although Christmas sales seemed softer on some seafood items, ahi continued to sell well.

He said he expects sales of ahi to continue to rise for New Year's Day, although families could reduce the number of pounds.

“;I think for the new year, especially in Hawaii, people are willing to start with a bang,”; he said.

“;I think people still want traditional items such as ahi.”;

On Maui, Takamiya Market in Happy Valley expected ahi prices to rise from Christmas.

Ahi in general was selling for about $14.99 a pound at Takamiya, said Lance Takamiya, general manager.

“;The demand for ahi is more during New Year's,”; he said.