Wireless systems maker is moving back to the islands

Loea Corp., a communications firm specializing in high-speed wireless data systems, said yesterday it is moving its corporate headquarters to Honolulu from California.

The move, which will relocate the company's headquarters from San Jose, is expected to create at least 12 new jobs in Honolulu in the next 24 months, said Linda Jameson, a Loea spokeswoman.

Spun off from Trex Enterprises in 2001, Loea was originally located on Maui, where it maintains operations, Jameson said. Its headquarters were located briefly in San Jose.

The company is the only supplier of millimeter-wave data transmission systems. Its customers include the University of Hawaii, the Coast Guard and General Dynamics.

Under the newly announced plan, Loea's executive and business development functions will be based in downtown Honolulu, while its research and product development will continue in Kahului. Manufacturing for new products will be conducted in Hawaii.

"We are committed to building Loea Corp.'s work force in Hawaii and our customer base locally, nationally and internationally," said retired U.S. Navy Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, Loea's chairman and chief executive. "This is an exciting time for us as we prepare for the launch of our new product line, which will provide increased bandwidth and functionality."