Branding Deep Seawater, Renewing Energy Dreams
2005 marked a turning point for NELHA. The world’s deepest seawater pipeline came online, delivering 14,000 gallons per minute from 3,000 feet below. This infrastructure fueled both aquaculture and the rapidly expanding deep seawater bottling industry. Koyo USA scaled production to nearly a million bottles a day, joined by Deep Seawater International, Hawai‘i Deep Marine, and Enzamin USA. Together they tapped into the global fascination with Hawai‘i’s pristine ocean resource.
At the same time, NELHA tightened financial policies, standardizing royalties and service mark protections to safeguard the “Hawaiian deep sea water” brand. Aquaculture remained strong, anchored by Big Island Abalone, Kona Bay Marine Resources, and Cyanotech, while new ventures in shrimp genetics, ornamental reef fish, and marine biotechnology broadened the Park’s profile.
Energy also returned to the agenda with urgency. Rising oil costs renewed interest in solar, hydrogen, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy and New Mexico Tech promised a revival of NELHA’s founding mission to pioneer alternative energy for Hawai‘i and the world.
Highlights:
- Operation of 55-inch, 3,000-foot deep seawater pipeline began, delivering 14,000 gallons per minute, the deepest in the world.
- Koyo USA expanded production to nearly 1 million bottles per day; opened Mahalo Showroom in Waikīkī.
- Deep Seawater International (Kona Deep) opened its first bottling facility in July 2005.
- Hawai‘i Deep Marine and Enzamin USA transitioned to commercial production.
- Standardized royalties and certification program established for “Hawaiian deep sea water”; foreign imitators forced to stop.
- Big Island Abalone became the largest abalone exporter to Japan and global leader outside China.
- Kona Bay Marine Resources earned Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award (2004); expanded shrimp broodstock operations.
- Cyanotech sustained over $12 million in annual revenues; expanded international distribution.
- Friends of NELHA expanded docent program; prepared to staff Gateway Energy Center.
- West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy won Intel-Science School of Distinction in Science Award.
- Energy research reemerged: DOE and New Mexico Tech explored OTEC, hydrogen, solar, and microgrid projects.
- NELHA implemented new seawater rate structures to align with rising energy costs.
- CEROS funded over $70 million in maritime and defense-related projects since inception, supporting 120+ jobs.