Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Fuel cell business moving to Ma'ili

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hoku Scientific Inc. said yesterday it is gearing up to move from its Kalihi headquarters to a much larger building near Wai'anae as the fuel cell technology developer shifts from research and development to production.

Hoku plans to move from its current 7,000-square-foot office in the Belt Collins building near Kuhio Park Terrace to the 38,000-square-foot Tyco building in Ma'ili in January. Hoku said it plans to add 10 jobs to its 20-member workforce.

"We found the perfect facility and I am thrilled that we can bring a high-tech business to the Wai'anae coast to help boost its economy and image," said Michael Burke, operations manager for Hoku.

Pilot production of Hoku's fuel cell membranes, which are the engine that drives fuel cells, would begin within months after that. That move is contingent on a pending purchase of the Tyco building, which is expected to close in late September, and the receipt of a zoning variance for the 2.5-acre property in Ma'ili, Hoku said.

The purchase price for the Tyco building, which was built two years ago at a cost of $18 million, was not disclosed.

Fuel cells run on hydrogen, natural gas or methanol and do not run down or require recharging. They produce energy as long as fuel is supplied.

Hoku hopes its products will be integrated into home power units in Japan in late 2005.

Reach Sean Hao at 525-8093 or shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.