What's Being Discussed

The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) Board of Directors will meet on August 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Kailua-Kona (and via Zoom). Key topics include:

• Ongoing lawsuit: An update on the amended complaint filed by Keahole Point Hatcheries LLC against NELHA in October 2025.
• Seawater quality incident: A follow-up on a November 2025 event that affected water quality at the facility, including a demand letter sent by attorneys representing Ocean Era, Inc.
• Executive Director search: A report from a small group working on hiring a new Executive Director — this item is for information only, with no vote expected.
• Cybersecurity breach: A status report on a recent breach of NELHA's computer systems.
• Lease reviews: A proposal to set up a regular schedule for reviewing NELHA leases.
• Standard Operating Procedures: A proposal to create a working group that would develop consistent procedures across the NELHA facility.
• Financial report: A review of the authority's finances.
• Director's report: Updates on marketing, leasing, lab operations, construction projects, and administration.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of minutes from the May 26, 2026 meeting and executive session.
• Establishing a regular lease review schedule.
• Creating a Governance Working Group for facility-wide procedures.
• Approval of the financial report.

Who Should Pay Attention

• NELHA tenants and businesses operating at the facility, especially Ocean Era, Inc. and Keahole Point Hatcheries LLC.
• Residents and community members concerned about water quality or facility management.
• Anyone interested in NELHA's leadership during the ongoing Executive Director search.