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2013 was a year of growth and transition for NELHA. HOST Park became a magnet for international investment, research, and education. Shrimp Improvement Systems moved its world headquarters from Florida to Kona, investing $10M and becoming one of the park’s largest employers. Major private and public projects surged forward, from monk seal rehabilitation facilities to new charter schools, demonstrating HOST Park’s expanding role in both science and community impact.

Infrastructure and energy innovation defined the year. Over $50M in construction was underway or planned, including pipeline repairs, a new connector road, and the foundation for a microgrid. OTEC research advanced with Makai Ocean Engineering’s test facilities and a planned 1 MW demonstration with OTEC International. Meanwhile, Friends of NELHA expanded education programs, nearly doubling visitor counts in just two years.

2013 also marked NELHA’s fourth consecutive year of self-sufficiency, operating without state subsidies. Federal and state support continued for capital improvements, underscoring the strong partnerships that sustain the park. Together, these developments strengthened NELHA’s reputation as the world’s premier site for ocean science and renewable energy.

Highlights:

Shrimp Improvement Systems moved world HQ to HOST Park; invested $10M and employed ~40 people.
14 construction projects underway or planned, totaling $51.5M in public and private investment.
Marine Mammal Center (Monk Seal Hospital, Phase I) broke ground ($3.2M private).
Cyanotech expanded with new office and extraction facilities ($4.5M private).
Taylor Shellfish expanded ponds and facilities ($1M private).
West Hawaii Explorations Academy began $8.5M new charter school project.
NELHA pipeline repairs advanced on the 40” system ($5.3M state-funded).
Destiny Deep Seawater/Encon installed $2M preform manufacturing equipment.
$412K NREL grant supported SCADA system and photovoltaic testbed.
Planned projects included SIS Phase II ($4M), Makai OTEC turbine ($4M ONR), Kahilihili Road ($9.7M), SSW connector pipe ($2.3M), and $4M+ in building renovations.
Negotiations advanced with OTEC International for 1 MW demonstration facility.
Friends of NELHA tours grew from 2,327 visitors (2011) to 4,938 (2013).
Analytical Laboratory completed 32nd year of continuous EPA-certified monitoring.
Lease activity included 8 new agreements, 1 new tenant, and 28 potential projects under review.
CEROS program officially closed out in October 2012.
State allocated $12M for connector road linking HOST Park to Kaiminani/Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.
NELHA operated its 4th year without state subsidy.

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