Weathering Economic Storms, Anchoring New Science
The global financial crisis hit Hawai‘i hard in 2008, slowing investment across the state. At HOST Park, tenants and staff pressed on, adapting to challenges with resourcefulness. The year saw continued momentum in renewable energy and aquaculture even as operating budgets tightened. NELHA expanded its international profile by hosting delegations from around the world and welcomed new research partnerships that laid the groundwork for future breakthroughs.
While deep seawater bottling slowed due to overproduction, aquaculture ventures like kampachi and abalone continued to strengthen Hawai‘i’s reputation as a hub for premium seafood. At the same time, energy projects in solar thermal, algae-based biofuels, and OTEC planning showed that NELHA’s founding mission in alternative energy was regaining force.
Highlights:
- Weathered the 2008 global economic downturn while maintaining operations.
- Continued development of renewable energy projects, including solar thermal and algae-based biofuels.
- OTEC planning advanced with partners exploring pilot-scale demonstrations.
- Deep seawater bottling industry contracted after rapid early growth, prompting tighter market focus.
- Kampachi, shrimp, and abalone aquaculture operations strengthened commercial production.
- Hosted multiple international delegations studying HOST Park’s seawater systems and aquaculture models.
- CEROS distributed $4.3M in federal funding to 12 defense-related ocean technology projects.
- Capital improvements advanced, including potable water distribution upgrades and seawater system expansion.
- NELHA Board refined financial and policy frameworks to guide tenant growth during volatile markets.