The James Campbell Company has signed an agreement with Hoku Solar, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU), to plan a Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park which would be the largest photovoltaic (PV) facility on Oahu.

The Kapolei Sustainable Energy Park would be capable of generating approximately 1.5 megawatts of photovoltaic power. Over the life of the system, it would produce enough electricity to power approximately 6,700 homes for one year. This solar facility is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating 38,161 tons of carbon dioxide and saving 120,000 barrels of oil over 25 years. The solar facility will be located in the planned Kapolei Harborside industrial project on a 12-acre parcel owned by the Campbell Company next to the James Campbell Industrial Park.

The facility is part of a larger effort by the Campbell Company and Kapolei Property Development to make Kapolei a model for sustainable development. "We are fully committed to building Kapolei as a sustainable city and we look forward to working with Hoku on this innovative project," said Campbell Company President and CEO Steve MacMillan. "This is just one of many steps we have been and will be taking to actively reduce Kapolei's carbon footprint. We intend to do more to make Kapolei 'green' and are currently looking at additional sites in Kapolei that would be suitable for alternative energy projects."

The Campbell Company has a long history of supporting sustainable growth since both Kapolei's urban design plan and Kapolei's role as Oahu's next major job center promote the wise use of energy and the conservation of natural resources. Sustainable principles in practice at Kapolei include green, energy-efficient buildings, a dual water system, and an urban design plan that encourages walking and biking.

"We applaud James Campbell Company's vision and commitment to sustainability in Hawaii," said Dustin Shindo, chairman, president and CEO of Hoku Scientific. "We look forward to working with them as we pursue the solar farm concept."

"This is the kind of leadership and innovation that places Kapolei in the vanguard of sustainability," said Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "The plan has the enormous potential of making our island home sustainable and self-sufficient for future generations, which has been one of my top priorities as mayor."

"The future is clean energy," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "This solar facility will help capitalize on Kapolei's natural resources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and protect the environment. That's progress we can all support."

The agreement is non-binding on Hoku or the Campbell Company, and subject to various conditions and government approvals related to the capped, former hazardous waste pile area on the site. The State Department of Health has oversight on the property and will be reviewing the concept to determine revised permit conditions. DOH is excited about the idea of transforming the property into a model for future renewable energy projects.

"This proposed solar facility has the potential of providing significant environmental benefits and we look forward to working with Campbell and Hoku on this promising project," says Dr. Chiyome Fukino, Director for the Hawaii State Department of Health.

Hoku Solar provides turnkey photovoltaic system installations in Hawaii for commercial and residential applications. As the project developer and owner, Hoku Solar would be responsible for designing, engineering, financing, procuring, installing and operating the solar facility.

Hoku and Campbell are exploring various alternative uses for the electricity generated by the solar facility, which may include selling the generated power to adjacent commercial users. The Campbell Company plans to assist Hoku in marketing the availability of this power, and will work with Hoku to complete a ground lease for the 12-acre parcel. Contingent on the necessary approvals and agreements, Hoku and the Campbell Company plan to have the system installed by the end of this year.

"This is another positive step in diversifying our energy supply with renewable resources like the sun," said Lynne Unemori, Hawaiian Electric vice president of Corporate Relations. "This large PV project and many others we know are in the planning stages confirm our view that with everyone working together, we can gain more energy security for Hawaii."