From Aquaculture to Energy Innovation
In 2004, HOST Park stood at a crossroads of tradition and transformation. Aquaculture remained dominant, producing 70 percent of Hawaiʻi’s farmed seafood and nearly all of the island’s output. Big Island Abalone and Kona Bay Marine Resources earned Governor’s Export Awards, while Koyo USA pioneered bottling deep seawater for Japanese markets—launching an entirely new industry.
At the same time, construction advanced on the Hawaiʻi Gateway Energy Center, designed as one of the world’s first LEED Platinum energy campuses. With seawater cooling, photovoltaic power, and zero-net energy goals, it signaled NELHA’s commitment to renewable innovation. By year’s end, tenant revenues topped $19 million, capital investments surged, and state funding began to phase out—pushing NELHA closer to financial independence.
Highlights:
- 38 active tenants supported 238 jobs.
- Over $15 million invested in capital improvements.
- Aquaculture gross sales reached $19.5 million (70% of state production).
- Koyo USA launched deep seawater bottling for export; Enzamin USA and Hawaiʻi Deep Marine entered the market.
- Trademarked logo and royalty program created for seawater exports.
- Big Island Abalone and Kona Bay Marine Resources received Governor’s Exporter of the Year awards; Koyo USA recognized as Exporter of Manufactured Products.
- Legislature began phasing out state funding; NELHA cut costs and introduced new rents and royalties.
- Hawaiʻi Gateway Energy Center main building and first lab module neared completion.
- HGEC incorporated zero-net energy design, seawater cooling, solar chimney, and native landscaping.