506 



KEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



Tabic showing by apjxirains and sj^tecies the yield of tlie fvslitrlca of Niihau hi 1903. 



THE FISHERIES OF OAHU. 



Although but third in size, this island is tliQ first in importance and 

 population, Honolulu, the capital, being located upon it. It is 46 

 miles long by 25 miles broad, but has an irregular quadrangular form, 

 with an area of 598 square miles. It is traversed from southeast to 

 northwest by two parallel ranges of hills separated by a low plane, the 

 highest point of the mountains being 4,030 feet aliove sea level. The 

 greater part of the coast is bordered by a coral reef, often half a mile 

 wide. This island has two fine harbors that are safe for large vessels 

 at all seasons of the year — Honolulu Harbor and Pearl Harbor. The 

 latter is very large and supports quite important fisheries within its 

 bounds. 



Oahu is divided into six districts: Kona (sometimes called Honolulu), 

 Ewa, Waianae, Waialua, Koolauloa, and Koolaupoko. The principal 

 city on the island is Honolulu, with a population of 39,306. Other 

 important towns and settlements are Pearl City, Ewa, Waianae, 

 Waialua, Kahuku, Heeia, and Waimanalo. According to the census 

 of 1900 the total population of this island is 58,504. 



An improvement which has done more than anj^thing else to 

 develop and foster the fisheries is the railway which skirts the water 

 nearly all the way from Honolulu to Kahuku, a distance of 71 miles. 

 By generous treatment of the fishermen along its line the railway 

 company has developed a large carrjdng trade between the fishing- 

 grounds along its route and Honolulu, the chief market. Eventually 

 the railroad will be extended completely around the island, making 

 a belt line. Some very fine fishing grounds are located in the region 

 not reached by the railwa}^ as yet, and the extension of the line to 

 these will mean much to the fishermen of the island. 



