Energy lab still empty
due to lack of funding

KAILUA-KONA » The Gateway Center at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii is producing 40 times more energy than it consumes, but that's because the $5 million building stands empty.

Officials say they lack the funding to use the energy-efficient structure.

"We don't have furnishings, tables and chairs, and we don't have any staff positions for the facility," said Ron Baird, executive director of the laboratory.

The two buildings that make up the Gateway Distributed Energy Resources Center, which each have a 20-kilowatt solar energy panel on the roof, were designed to demonstrate energy-efficient architecture using the sun to produce alternative energy and deep-ocean water to cut down on cooling costs.

The buildings produce up to 40 kilowatts of electricity that is put back onto the Hawaii Electric Light Co. grid through net metering. Right now, the empty buildings are taking only 1 kilowatt out of the system. The center was dedicated in November.

Eventually, laboratories will be built nearby to serve as incubators for companies developing renewable- and distributed-energy technologies. The center would be funded through co-sponsored partnerships with industries that specialize in such fields, according to the project concept.

But Baird said the center has not received capital or operating funds from the state. An initial outlay of about $50,000 will be needed to furnish the facility, which would need to be followed up with an annual budget to pay for staff, he said.

"We're going to need at least two people if we're going to keep it open seven days a week," Baird said. "But to my knowledge, money for staffing would require an act of the Legislature."

NELHA may have to fund the facility itself, since the Lingle administration has been encouraging the facility to be self-sufficient.

In 2003, Ted Liu, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, announced a plan to eventually cut state subsidies for the lab, and make up the difference through a rent increase for tenants, and a marketing campaign to attract new tenants.

Baird said two companies have applied to become tenants at the energy center.