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These years were marked by resilience in the face of natural disaster and bold steps toward the future. The eruption of Kīlauea in 2018 completely destroyed NELHA’s Puna property, erasing decades of geothermal infrastructure under 50–100 feet of lava. Even so, HOST Park advanced critical projects: major roadways and utilities opened new lands for development, and a potable water well project reached environmental approval.

NELHA doubled down on aquaculture, launching an accelerator in partnership with HATCH Blue, UH, and State agencies—backed by millions in follow-on investment funds. Energy innovation pressed forward with microgrid planning, vanadium flow battery tests, and the world’s largest solar thermal desalination project. The Friends of NELHA welcomed 8,000 visitors a year, while Hale Iako grew as a hub for events and entrepreneurial activity. Financially, NELHA remained self-sufficient, generating nearly $5M annually in revenues.

Highlights:

Completed Kaiminani Drive and related road projects ahead of schedule and under budget, officially opening a new entrance to HOST Park.
Progressed $2.5M potable water well, including archaeological surveys, recovery plan, and environmental assessment; FONSI published in 2018.
Secured FEMA approval for $7.6M to address destruction of Puna Geothermal property during 2018 eruption.
Leasing remained steady with new clients; Mats4 LLC and Kowa Premium Foods projects advanced.
Aquaculture initiative launched: statewide summit in 2017, $500K State funding secured, and 2019 accelerator partnership with HATCH Blue and UH Ventures established; $8M follow-on fund created.
Energy initiatives included $1.9M U.S. DOE grant for Trevi Systems’ solar thermal desalination plant (world’s largest FO desalination demo).
Vanadium redox flow battery project advanced with Sandia National Lab, UET, HELCO, and Ulupono.
Energy Storage Conference (2018) brought DOE, national labs, and private partners together.
Installed 178kW PV at Research Campus, saving ~$50K annually.
Selected for Korea KETEP grant to explore HOST Park microgrid demonstration.
Continued development of hydrogen production, storage, and fueling station.
Initiated feasibility study for seawater district cooling system for West Hawaiʻi with $250K in CIP funds.
Friends of NELHA hosted ~8,000 visitors annually, expanded education and outreach, and received $175K State grant-in-aid.
NELHA designated a Blue Zone (HOST Ola) in 2018, emphasizing health and wellness.
Revenues held steady near $5M annually; NELHA remained operationally self-sufficient.

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