2000-2001

Building Resilience and Expanding Horizons

View The 2000-2001 Annual Report >>

The turn of the millennium marked a period of preparation and resilience for NELHA. In 2000, Big Island Abalone Corporation held its official dedication, signaling tenant confidence and community support. By 2001, planning for the deep seawater pipeline reached its final stages, setting up completion of one of the world’s most ambitious ocean engineering projects. Amid the global uncertainty following 9/11, HOST Park tenants expanded operations in aquaculture and biotechnology. Cyanotech grew to more than 90 acres, Aquasearch earned industry recognition, and Moana Technologies advanced shrimp genetics research. Federal and state support pushed the Gateway Project forward, while the Board was restructured to encourage cross-agency collaboration. Friends of NELHA also took shape, formalizing outreach and educational programs that would connect the public more closely to the park’s mission.

Highlights:

2000

  • Dedication of Big Island Abalone Corporation held May 16 with Governor Cayetano and local officials.

2001

  • 55-inch deep seawater pipeline entered final stage of development; shipments en route to Hawaiʻi with completion expected FY02.
  • Gateway Project planning advanced, including the Ocean Center Commercial Area for renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and ocean sciences.
  • Tenant revenues surpassed $15 million annually, supporting 176 private-sector jobs and creating a total economic impact of $30–40 million per year.
  • Cyanotech expanded to over 90 acres; annual revenues exceeded $15 million from Spirulina-based products marketed in more than 30 countries.
  • Aquasearch introduced AstaFactor™, earning “Biotechnology Company of the Year” from the Hawaiʻi Technology Association.
  • Friends of NELHA was formalized as a nonprofit to support education, tours, and outreach.
  • Board restructured with new standing committees: Commercial Activities chaired by Peter Young, Strategic Development chaired by Bill Friedl, Audit chaired by Barry Mizuno, and Research Advisory chaired by Don Thomas, Ph.D.
  • Legislature expanded the Board from 9 to 11 members, adding representatives from HTDC and HSDC to encourage cross-agency collaboration.

‍

<< Back to NELHA Through the Years