A Year of Expansion and Strategic Growth
In 2024, NELHA and HOST Park celebrated milestones in infrastructure, tenant expansion, and international partnerships. The Park’s reputation as a global hub for ocean science and sustainable energy continued to grow, supported by new facilities and collaborative programs.
Aquaculture remained strong, with Blue Ocean Mariculture and Cyanotech advancing production and exports, while new entrants pursued marine biotechnology and seafood innovation. Energy and water technology initiatives gained momentum, including progress on seawater air conditioning, hydrogen fueling, and battery demonstration projects.
Community engagement surged as Friends of NELHA hosted record-breaking numbers of visitors and expanded educational offerings. Economically, HOST Park tenants generated significant revenues and job growth, reinforcing NELHA’s role as a driver of Hawai‘i Island’s innovation economy.
Highlights:
- Advanced plans for seawater air conditioning (SWAC) in West Hawai‘i.
- Progressed hydrogen fueling and storage projects at Research Campus.
- Expanded aquaculture operations by Blue Ocean Mariculture; Cyanotech sustained global nutraceutical markets.
- New marine biotechnology and food innovation ventures entered HOST Park.
- Battery demonstration projects continued in collaboration with national and international partners.
- Infrastructure investments supported long-term growth of HOST Park tenants.
- Friends of NELHA hosted record visitor numbers and expanded STEAM education programs.
- HOST Park tenants contributed substantial revenues and job creation to the local economy.