anyone from Hawaii?

[Viktor Jarikov]

Is there anyone from Hawaii out there who is knowledgable and patient to lecture about how fish raising and ponding is done there?

My name is Viktor Jarikov. I am 38 years old, a scientist (chemist) by training and occupation. I am a freshwater fish (catfish, koi, etc.) and pond/aquarium enthusiast currently residing in Rochester, NY. My wife and I are considering possibly moving to Hawaii soon and I am writing to ask for advices or to provide someone else's contact info who would be willing to chat with me and educate me on how these things are handled in Hawaii. Having spent a good chunk of time on the i-net, I have not found a good source of info.

What kinds of problems do people have to overcome when pursuing their freshwater hobbies in HI? Complementary, what the advantages are compared to the 4-season climates like upstate NY or "2.5 season" sub-tropical Florida?

How are the issues with Leptospiral bacteria handled? Is it the main problem? Is preventing contamination with animal urine sufficient to COMPLETELY solve this problem?

Do people raise freshwater fish for pleasure and/or sale in Hawaii? Could not find so far fish nurseries/hatcheries on line.

What are fresh water sources (other than rain) and how expensive it is?

Do/can people use rubber liner or do they go for concrete or nothing at all? What effect does this bear on water quality and clarity? How does lava-based ground affect the water pH, etc.? Is all ground on the islands of the lava type?

Are there restrictions to the types of freshwater fish one can keep in HI?

Questions like these.

Someone knowledgeable and patient could be of great help to me/us. Phone conversations might also be fruitful as typing is slow and time consuming.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Viktor Jarikov

[zipper]

might want to contact the Honolulu Aquarium Society. http://www.honoluluaquariumsociety.org/
they could help you with your questions.

there are restrictions as to what can be kept in Hawaii, take a look at this:
http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/import