In Memoriam.
Mahalo to all who have contributed to Pacific Islands Fisheries Group and gone before us. Your contributions have helped preserve, celebrate, and honor the traditions and rights of Pacific Islands Fishers.
Mahalo Conrad,
PIFG would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the Nonaka family on the passing of Conrad Nonaka, June 2, 2018. Conrad, Director of the University of Hawaii’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific, was a true educator and strong supporter of Hawaii’s rich seafood heritage.
He demonstrated his commitment to these passions by co-hosting in partnership with two Sea-to-Me Seafood tasting events in 2012 and 2013. These events brought together elite chefs, rising local culinary students and Hawaii’s fresh, locally caught fish. The funds raised through these events went to support the CIP and PIFG education programs. Conrad’s positive personality, generosity and welcoming smile will be deeply missed. A Hui Hou, Conrad.
Aloha Kendall,
Thank you for your limitless generosity, steadfast friendship, endless effort and timeless memories! You were there from the start 20 years ago, helping to form the sound foundation upon which PIFG stands today. Always happy to be the brunt of a joke and quick to reply, you provided levity as we worked to support our passion for fishing and our local way of life. Your priority for ono food, cold drinks and great times showed us how to work hard while enjoying the fruits of our labor. These lessons we will carry forward as we continue PIFG’s work to support our local fishermen and honor our fishing and seafood heritage. You will be missed and always remembered. It’s time to “Shut up and fish!”
A Hui Hou, Santa
Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi, part owner and chef of Tokkuri Tei Restaurant, passed away on July 5, 2021. A remembrance get together was held on July 24, 2022 at the restaurant for family, friends and long-time customers. Mahalo, Santa, for your ono food, endless laughs and years of support.
You are forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Your dedication, commitment and generosity towards the fishing community has always been truly appreciated. Safe journey and we will have a drink together again someday.
Aloha Tony,
Tony Costa was the superman and voice for fishermen of Hawaii that many never even knew about. He was at the forefront of every fishing and environmental concern presented by the legislature.
He fought to protect the rights of Hawaii’s Sport, Commercial, and Recreational fishermen for decades. Passionate and always committed to the implementation of verified, science-based conservations and management of our State’s aquatic resources. Tony was able to give a wide variety of voices and types of fishing a seat at the table through the Coalition Of Hawaii Nearshore Fishermen.
One of Tony’s lasting legacy was helping Pass Act 210, a landmark bill in 2010 that protects publicly owned Hawaiian fishponds statewide from sale. Growing up in Niu (NIu Valley) near Kalauha’iha’i Fishpond, Tony understood the deep connection of Mauka to Makai and the role of freshwater in the marine ecosystem.
In the 1990’s, a highway widening project broke a lava tube and blocked the water flowing to the fishpond and ocean. For decades, millions of gallons a day of fresh water gushed into the Niu sewer. The fishpond dried up and the nearshore fish and limu disappeared from the lack of fresh water. The state condemned the properties of the Hara and Lee families living at the fishpond and prepared to sell them to the highest bidder. Few knew about this complicated story as the auction of the ancient fishpond neared. Tony helped save the fishpond and return the water. Tony’s legacy lives on in all of us and as he embodied in his commitment to our resources: