Transition, Tenacity, and Technology
Summary
1996 was a year of transition and resilience at NELHA. Despite state budget cuts that reduced staff by one-third, the Authority pressed forward with ambitious infrastructure upgrades, tenant expansion, and bold engineering feats. The year saw deepened collaborations with state and federal partners, the transfer of CEROS (the National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences) under NELHA’s umbrella, and a broadened role as a hub for small business and aquaculture ventures. Meanwhile, engineers pushed the boundaries of what was possible at Keāhole Point, driving pipelines under the shoreline with pioneering micro-tunneling technology.
Even in the midst of fiscal austerity, NELHA’s marketing reached new audiences, its aquaculture ventures grew in scale, and the “information superhighway” quite literally came to Keāhole, linking the once-remote lava field into global research and business networks. Staff commitment was honored in a tribute, underscoring that NELHA’s greatest asset was not only seawater and sunlight but the people who transformed them into opportunity.
Highlights
- Severe state budget cuts reduced NELHA staff by one-third, but the Authority continued to expand operations .
- Three new tenants gained final approval; six more received preliminary approval; four existing tenants optioned additional land for expansion .
- CEROS (National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences) was transferred under NELHA, bringing its administrative offices to Keāhole .
- West Hawaiʻi Sea Grant Extension Office and UH Small Business Development Center established operations on-site, providing new resources for tenants .
- Product sales from NELHA-based companies exceeded $13 million; approximately 130 people were employed .
- Continued operation of PICHTR’s 210kW open-cycle OTEC plant, the only one of its kind in the world .
- Major improvements to seawater systems, including replacing failing ductile iron manifolds with HDPE, and extending the 28” pipeline by 760 ft .
- Automation of surface seawater systems at the Kau Pump Station reduced energy waste and improved efficiency .
- Laboratory building refurbished with new roof, AC repairs, and cosmetic upgrades .
- Two parallel 66-inch tunnels completed via pioneering micro-tunneling for future HOST Park seawater pipelines .
- Submersible dives with PISCES V surveyed routes and inspected existing pipelines .
- Cyanotech, Aquasearch, Taylor United, and Common Heritage Corp. all optioned new land for expansion; Cyanotech exercised options and expanded operations .
- “Information superhighway” brought internet connectivity and marketing expanded to global audiences through video, conferences, and digital outreach .
Tribute to Staff
- Stanley “Miles” Anderson – supervised NELHA’s water quality lab from 1988 to 1995, establishing quality control programs that earned recognition for both tenant support and state monitoring services.
- Henry Hua – electrician from 1987 to 1995 whose expertise kept the facility powered and systems running; also became NELHA’s go-to in-house computer troubleshooter.
- Melanie Kelekolio – laboratory assistant from 1992 to 1995, whose flexibility and willingness to step in across tasks helped sustain daily operations.
- Harvey Low – operations department maintenance helper from 1989 to 1996, contributing critical hands-on support to many of NELHA’s infrastructure projects.
- Rosalinda McKee – groundskeeper from 1990 to 1996, responsible for maintaining the landscaping of NELHA’s vast 870-acre facility.
- George “Uncle George” Pai – general labor support from 1989 to 1996, beloved by staff for his steady contributions to countless self-help projects across the park.
- Jan Weber – account clerk from 1992 to 1996 who oversaw accounts receivable, ensuring tenants’ payments stayed on track during a period of expansion.
- Herman Wohlfeil – microbiologist from 1989 to 1996 whose expertise supported tenants and advanced NELHA’s Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP).