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In 2017, NELHA focused on preparing HOST Park for long-term growth while expanding its role as a global hub for ocean science and energy. Major projects began to open the 80-acre “Ocean CenterPiece” parcel, envisioned as the Park’s economic driver. Road construction, new utilities, and planning for a potable water well removed key barriers to development.

Hale Iako, the blue technology incubator completed in 2016, reached nearly 70 percent occupancy and quickly became a hub for new tenants and entrepreneurial activity. Leasing surged to record levels, with 21 new agreements signed.

Energy innovation was in the spotlight. NELHA hosted a major Energy Storage Systems conference, attracting speakers from the U.S. Department of Energy and five national labs, and launched projects ranging from a vanadium redox flow battery to microgrid demonstrations. Plans advanced for a new hydrogen production and fueling station, while proposals for a next-generation 100–300 kW OTEC plant were readied.

Aquaculture also gained momentum, with the launch of a State-supported initiative to position Hawai‘i as a global leader in sustainable marine aquaculture. This included planning for the Hawai‘i Center for Aquaculture Sustainability (HCAS), modeled after national centers on the mainland.

Community outreach thrived. Friends of NELHA hosted over 6,300 visitors, expanding tours and educational programs. Financially, NELHA remained self-sufficient, supported by seawater royalties and land use fees.

Highlights:

Groundbreaking for $10M road construction project to open Ocean CenterPiece parcel; fast-tracked to finish ahead of schedule.
Planning advanced for exploratory potable water well to add 333,000 gallons/day capacity; verbal commitment secured from County of Hawai‘i for water credits.
Leasing hit record levels: 21 new agreements, 7 new tenants, including Hale Iako occupancy reaching ~70%.
Mats4 LLC approved for concept lease of a sustainable convenience store and fuel station at HOST Park entrance.
Energy Storage Systems Conference (Sept 2016) hosted 110 attendees, including DOE and national lab leaders; multiple projects emerged.
Vanadium redox flow battery project launched with DOE, Sandia, HELCO, and Ulupono Initiative; installation planned FY2018.
Hydrogen production, storage, and fueling station project began construction at Research Campus.
RFP planned for new 100–300 kW OTEC plant to advance commercialization.
Hawai‘i aquaculture initiative launched with HSDC; planning for Hawai‘i Center for Aquaculture Sustainability (HCAS).
Renovations continued at Research Campus, including upgrades to Hale Kaa.
Friends of NELHA hosted ~6,300 visitors at the Hawai‘i Gateway Energy Center, expanded STEAM programs, and increased tour offerings.
NELHA revenues remained above $5M, with seawater sales and land use fees sustaining self-sufficiency.

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