The Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii on the Big Island adds nearly $90 million to the local economy, according to a recently released report that was conducted by the Economic Research Organization of the University of Hawaii. 

The report found that NELHA’s total expenditures to businesses totaled $81 million, of which $50 million was paid to local Hawaii entities. Economic multipliers added another $8 milllion. 

The total jobs created by the tech incubator, that hosts such projects as Sopogy’s concentrated solar thermal project and Cellana’s algae to biofuels pilot, was 583. 

The report follows an audit by State Auditor Marion Higa that criticized the agency for mismanagement and a lack of transparency. 

Photo: NELHA/ Pipes for seawater air conditioning system.