A Year of Reflection and Expansion
1994 marked NELHA’s 20th anniversary, a time to reflect on two decades of growth and to set new directions for the future. The Authority reorganized its management structure to emphasize quality, tenant satisfaction, and stronger staff relations. Leadership changes brought renewed energy, with Robert Kihune stepping in as Executive Director and overseeing the start of major infrastructure projects. Most notably, work began on the first phase of the HOST Park seawater system—twin 55-inch pipes that would soon enable large-scale expansion. Meanwhile, operations teams kept the facility running 24/7, engineering launched innovative projects such as micro-tunneling pipelines, and NELHA hosted thousands of visitors while expanding outreach at home and abroad. The year closed with optimism and momentum for the next chapter in ocean science and technology.
Highlights:
- 20th anniversary celebrated, with strategic planning and organizational restructuring to emphasize quality and tenant support.
- New leadership: Robert K. U. Kihune became Executive Director, succeeding Clare Hachmuth.
- HOST Park seawater expansion: Construction began on twin 55-inch shoreline pipes, the critical first step toward deep seawater delivery for HOST Park.
- Operations: Continuous 24/7 delivery of seawater and utilities; assisted in modifications to the NPPE OTEC plant and installed major upgrades including new pumps and cross-connections.
- Engineering: Completed the Hale He‘ena Laboratory building, nominated for “Engineering Project of the Year”; initiated micro-tunneling project to bring pipelines under the shoreline.
- Analytical Lab: Completed full year of CEMP monitoring, supported multiple tenants, and contributed to projects in Hawaiʻi and the Cook Islands.
- Administration: Published updated Strategic Plan and Facilities Use Manual, executed new leases and permits.
- Marketing & Outreach: Hosted over 3,000 visitors, staged an Open House, and represented NELHA at major international conferences in Japan, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.