Hawaii County is asking the public to help identify solutions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
In a request made by the Department of Research and Development Sustainable Infrastructure on Oct. 4, the county said it was looking specifically to promote and sustain a net-zero emission and post-carbon economy.
“The purpose of this RFI (request for information) is to identify viable climate change mitigation and adaptation opportunities,” the request states.
The county is seeking respondents from private and public sectors and community members.
These responses will “provide input on re-shaping the Island towards net-zero emissions and a ‘post-carbon economy’ by prioritizing a hydrogen-based economy and reducing the need for fossil fuels,” the RFI states.
The goal is to issue the first opportunity in 2022, according to the county.
“Participation is optional and is not required to respond to any subsequent procurement action the County may take, and neither the County nor the respondent has any obligation under this request for information,” the county said in the RFI.
Technologies related to hydrogen, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure will be considered, according to the request.
Specific categories include the following: solid waste and wastewater: energy profile transformation; waste to energy; reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas production; solid/water waste disposal compliant with existing statutes and rulings; hydrogen production; mitigate exposure to fossil fuel-based energy price volatility; and invasive species management and native wildlife and plant conservation.
The deadline for submitting questions is Monday, Oct. 18. The deadline to submit a response to the RFI is Thursday, Nov. 4.