COMMERCIAL FISHERIES OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. 4638 
LIHUE, KAUAI. 
There is no regular fish market on the island of Kauai, but at Lihue 
the meat dealer handles fish whenever they are to be obtained. Other 
sections of the island are supplied by peddlers with small carts, who 
make occasional trips when the fisheries are being operated. Most of 
the fishermen are natives and, with their usual shiftlessness, refuse 
to resume fishing after a good haul until the proceeds have been 
expended, and often by that time the school of fish has worked off the 
coast and disappeared. 
LAHAINA, MAUI. 
The territorial government owns the principal market house at this 
place. It isa long one-story row, with its back overhanging the ocean, 
and, including the land, is valued at about $6,000. It contains six 
stalls, all of which are leased to natives and whites, but nearly all of 
these sublet to Japanese dealers. In 1903 there were 1 American, 2 
natives, and 6 Japanese employed in this market. 
Close by isa private market containing two stalls, the whole, includ- 
ing land, being valued at $700. Four Japanese operated this market 
in 1903. 
Since the last investigation (1901) a new private market, composed 
of 4 small buildings, has come into use. It is valued at $400, includ- 
ing land, and is operated by 8 Japanese. 
One of the worst features of the industry at Lahaina is the lack of 
inspection of the products sold in these markets. An inspector was 
put in charge in August, 1903, but owing to lack of money the board 
of health was compelled to dispense with his services in January, 1904, 
and at present the markets are as much without inspection as in the 
old days. This is a very unfortunate condition of affairs, as Lahaina 
is one of the most important fish-distributing centers of the islands. 
The greater part of the surplus fish from Molokai and Lanai is landed 
here, and by means of peddlers is distributed to the various sugar 
plantations of the island. Owing to the lack of proper inspection, 
large quantities of tainted fish are sold in these markets, or peddled 
throughout the surrounding country. 
The Japanese have established a virtual monopoly of the handling 
of fish in this section of Maui. Nearly every stall in the various mar- 
kets is operated by Japanese, who have formed an association or trust, 
by means of which they are enabled to force the fishermen to dispose 
of their catch to the association at whatever price the latter may see 
fit to offer. Many of the dealers are also financially interested in the 
boats and fishing gear of their fellow-countrymen, and as a result of 
this the native fishermen complain that they are grossly discriminated 
against, and are compelled to sell their catch for much less than is paid 
to their Japanese competitors. Should the native fisherman refuse to 
