GOVERNOR LINGLE RELEASES $2 MILLION FOR UH-HILO’S PACIFIC AQUACULTURE AND COASTAL RESOURCES CENTER
For Immediate Release: February 9, 2004
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle recently released $2 million to complete the design and construction of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC). In addition to providing infrastructure for UH aquaculture and marine science programs, this innovative center will enhance commercial aquaculture, fisheries and eco-tourism.
The $5.7 million project is supported by an additional $929,000 in state funds, $1.99 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and more than $750,000 from the County of Hawai`i and state Department of Land and Natural Resources to clean the project site.
“The Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center has the potential to become one of the finest aquaculture facilities in the world,” Governor Lingle said. “This project will enhance UH-Hilo’s international reputation as a research and education leader in the fields of marine science, aquaculture and coastal resources.”
When completed in July 2005, PACRC will have two field sites, Keaukaha and Panaewa, as well as offices on the UH-Hilo campus. At Keaukaha, adjacent to the Hilo port, a wastewater treatment plant will be converted into a water quality laboratory with indoor and outdoor tanks, pearl oyster and fish hatcheries, a classroom and offices. At the inland Panaewa site six miles away, UH will develop quarantine facilities, freshwater ponds and integrated agriculture-aquaculture farming systems.
“I really appreciate the Governor’s support on this remarkable project,” UH-Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng said. “This is truly an outstanding partnership involving the State and County of Hawai`i, as well as the community. We will work together to make this Center a great resource for the community.”
Hilo is an ideal location for the center because it is one of the few places where warm seawater, warm freshwater and deep cold seawater can be readily obtained. In addition, aquatic habitats such as tide pools, estuaries, coral reefs, rocky shorelines and the deep open ocean are all nearby. Using such resources, it is possible to grow most types of fish, shellfish and algae – from tropical to cold-water – throughout the year. These resources are all within six miles of the main UH-Hilo campus.
The PACRC’s resources and Hawai`i’s aquaculture potential will be the topic of one of the presentations at the World Aquaculture Society’s meeting at the Hawai`i Convention Center in early March.
PACRC is a project of University of Hawai`i, the County of Hawai`i, the Keaukaha Community Association and the State of Hawai`i Aquaculture Development Program. For more information, visit the PACRC website at www.uhh.hawaii.edu/~pacrc/.
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7705
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043
Alyson Kakugawa-Leong
UH-Hilo Media Relations
Phone: (808) 974-7642
