Nine state lawmakers are traveling to the Big Island this weekend to see projects connected to environmental job creation and food and energy self-sufficiency.

The seven senators and two representatives on Saturday will visit Mauna Kea, Kamuela Vacuum Cooling Plant, Puna Geothermal Venture’s power plant in Pohoiki and Hilo small businesses.

Then on Sunday, they’ll see Green Point Nursery, Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hu Honua bioenergy power plant and Hamakua Springs Farms. 

Sen. Malama Solomon said she wants lawmakers to learn about forming public-private partnerships to manage the state’s resources in more effective ways.

The legislators will be joined by Department of Agriculture Chairman Russell Kokubun and Department of Land and Natural Resources First Deputy Guy Kaulukukui.