Hawaii bans shark fin

HONOLULU -- The $48-a-plate shark fin has been a favorite dish at Vienna Hou's Chinese restaurant since it opened 25 years ago. But Hawaii became the first state to ban the possession of shark fins last week in an attempt to help prevent the overfishing and extinction of sharks around the world. "Something will be missing," Hou said. "Decent Chinese restaurants -- they all serve shark fin." The ban drew criticism from some in Hawaii's Chinese community -- more than 13 percent of the state population is Chinese or part Chinese. Many consider shark fin a delicacy and important part of Chinese culture. Some people eat it because they think it's good for bones, kidneys and lungs and helps treat cancer.