The aquarium is a replica of a Hawaiian reef. The fish are selected for what balance they'll bring. On July 26, Cathy Redline of Los Angeles, Alan Waters of Houston, Marvin Woo of Honolulu and an Advertiser reporter tried out the tank. Kalani Smith, a master scuba diver, gave the predive briefings. A Kane ' ohe native, Smith has been diving for 29 years.
Guests wear a helmet, wet suit, booties and one glove for feeding the fish.
Mares Co. donated the wet suits and gloves. The 65-pound helmet sits on a person's shoulders, leaving about five inches of space between the bottom of the helmet and the chest. An air bubble inside the helmet prevents water from coming in and allows normal breathing. The system uses surface-supplied air, pumped into the diving helmet by a compressor on land. The compressor is backed up by two safety systems in case of power failures.