For Immediate Release: April 13, 2004
DBEDT Release News 04-10

HONOLULU--Japanese health products corporation Koyo-USA, the first company to bottle 100% Hawaii Deep Sea Water from the Big Island of Hawaii, now bears an official state seal of authenticity. The new seal certifies that the water is made from deep-ocean water from the Kona Coast and marks the first time the state will receive royalties from the desalinated bottled water.

"This is the beginning of a whole new industry for the Big Island and for Hawaii in general," said Governor Linda Lingle. "The state's partnership with Koyo will help the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority achieve its goal of self-sufficiency and strengthen the facility's efforts to expand and diversify other ventures in ocean science and marine biotechnology."

Officials from Koyo met with Governor Linda Lingle today in a ceremony to officially kick off the new enterprise. Mr. Yasuki Takano, CEO and President of the Koyo corporate group, personally offered Governor Lingle the first taste of the desalinated bottled seawater.

Koyo-USA will invest more than $35 million in facilities and initially employ approximately 65 local workers in its Kailua-Kona plant.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov