Conduct Water Study on Kaho`olawe Island

The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) is requesting proposals for a comprehensive Water Development Study to address limited freshwater availability and deteriorating catchment infrastructure on Kaho`olawe Island, with proposals due October 2, 2026.

The scope encompasses three primary components: site assessment and data collection of existing water catchment systems and reservoirs; feasibility and design recommendations for rainwater collection improvements and new reservoir installations; and development of a comprehensive Water Development Plan. Deliverables include a technical report summarizing findings and design recommendations, a detailed Water Development Plan with diagrams and cost estimates, and a final presentation to KIRC staff and Commissioners. Work must be completed within six months of contract execution, with all invoicing and payment concluded by May 31, 2027.

The selected consultant team must demonstrate experience in strategic rainwater catchment design and implementation, reservoir or large-scale water system planning in arid or remote island environments, and sustainable and low-impact infrastructure development. Proposals must emphasize integration of climate resilience, low-maintenance design, and ecological sensitivity into recommendations. The Water Development Plan must include a phased implementation strategy aligned with KIRC's operational capacity and funding opportunities.

Work is performed on Kaho`olawe Island, with place of performance reflecting the island's remote location and terrain constraints. The contract is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 103D and standard KIRC general conditions, including independent contractor status, three-year record retention, and work-product ownership vesting in the state. Final payment requires tax clearance certification from the State Director of Taxation and the Internal Revenue Service. Payment to subcontractors must be issued within ten days of receipt.