Building for the Future, From Shrimp to Seawater Energy
These years brought transformational growth at HOST Park, with new infrastructure, groundbreaking energy projects, and aquaculture advances that resonated globally. Hale Iako, the renovated 14,000-square-foot incubator and office building, opened as a hub for blue technology and entrepreneurship. NELHA also completed the 28-inch surface seawater cross-connector pipeline—on time and 50 percent under budget—strengthening reliability of the world’s largest seawater delivery system.
Aquaculture solidified its global footprint. Hawai‘i’s SPF shrimp industry, with leaders like Shrimp Improvement Systems and Moana Marine Biotech, supplied up to 60 percent of broodstock worldwide. Blue Ocean Mariculture expanded Kona Kampachi production offshore, while Kampachi Farms partnered with Lockheed Martin to develop open-ocean fish pens under the “Forever Oceans” venture.
Energy innovation reached new milestones. Makai Ocean Engineering launched the world’s largest operational OTEC facility, delivering 100 kilowatts to the grid—the only OTEC plant in the U.S. tied to a utility. NELHA also advanced energy storage testbeds, strengthened partnerships with Sandia and NREL, and pursued hydrogen and microgrid development.
Recognition followed: NELHA earned the U.S. President’s “E” Award for Export Service, honoring its impact on expanding American exports. Economically, HOST Park contributed over $120 million annually to Hawai‘i’s economy and supported more than 600 jobs.
Highlights:
- Hale Iako incubator and office building completed (14,000 sf, $5M investment, 60% leased at opening).
- 28-inch surface seawater connector pipeline completed ahead of schedule and 50% under budget.
- Aquaculture boom: Hawai‘i SPF shrimp supplied up to 60% of global broodstock; Blue Ocean Mariculture expanded offshore Kona Kampachi farm.
- Kampachi Farms partnered with Lockheed Martin for “Forever Oceans” open-ocean aquaculture project.
- Makai Ocean Engineering launched 100 kW OTEC plant—the world’s largest operational and only U.S. grid-connected OTEC facility.
- Energy storage testbed launched; Aquion Energy M100 battery installed; expanded partnerships with Sandia, NREL, and UH.
- Hydrogen production and fueling station project advanced with UH and DOE partners.
- NELHA received U.S. President’s “E” Award for Export Service (2016).
- HOST Park economic impact: $123M annually, 617 jobs supported.
- Leasing activity surged: 15 new agreements in FY2015 and FY2016.
- Website visits and Twitter engagement grew steadily; Friends of NELHA hosted ~5,000 visitors annually.
- Staff milestones: Greg Barbour completed 30 years of service with the State of Hawaii; Hale Iako renovations highlighted NELHA’s evolution into a “small college campus” atmosphere.