Cyanotech now occupies about 75 acres, with an option to lease an additional 160 acres in the 870-acre park. The park is managed by the NELH Authority, which is part of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Tenants must utilize at least one of three resources at the NELH: Cold sea water drawn from a depth of 2,000 feet; warm surface water from 50 feet; and abundant sunlight.
Other companies there produce fish jerky, black pearl oysters, Maine lobsters and other shellfish, tilapia, and sea vegetables.
The 870 acres includes 548 acres that initially made up the separate Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology park, which was also meant to spur aquaculture development. The HOST parcel, consolidated with NELH in 1990, does not have the improvements needed yet to draw any businesses. The authority is hoping to obtain state funding to at least provide access to the seawater, said Adrianne Greenlees, public information specialist for the park.
Cyanotech, if it exercises its lease option, would be the first to move into the HOST area.
"The whole idea is that we're an incubator for small businesses to test their ideas," Greenlees said. "If they're successful, then they can expand."