The state is seeking an operator for its planned initiative selling carbon offset credits for reforestation and recovery of 4,700 acres of Hawaii island pasture land.

A request for proposal seeks a partner in the Puu Mali Forest Carbon Project on the north slope of Mauna Kea.

Described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in Hawaii, the project calls for planting native trees such as koa and mamane, restoring watershed lands and enhancing the natural habitat of the endangered palila bird.

The plan is to pay for the project through the sale of carbon offset credits, with one such credit typically certifying the storage of one metric ton of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in plants and other organic material.

Carbon credits are used to offset carbon emissions, also known as greenhouse gas emissions, from motorized travel, commercial activities and other carbon-emitting activities.

The market for offsetting carbon emissions is growing in popularity as corporations and individuals around the world seek to reduce their carbon footprint in the face of climate change.

By making the Puu Mali Restoration Area available for a forest carbon offset project, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is creating opportunities to generate carbon credits locally, officials said.

Ranging from 5,200 feet to 7,800 feet in elevation, the Puu Mali Restoration Area used to be prime koa forest habitat before it was converted into pastureland for cattle. But then the area was fenced and all domestic and feral hoofed animals were removed.

Beginning in 2004, the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife began to restore the forest there while aiming to recharge the watershed and provide habitat for the native palila. Last year the land was added to the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve.

“We want to have the reforestation certified by a certified carbon standard,” said Philipp LaHaela Walter, state resource and survey forester. “That’s basically a third party that certifies that you are storing a certain amount of carbon by reforesting the area.”

Each tree absorbs CO2 through its leaves and converts it into carbon that is stored in bark, wood and roots. The more trees planted, the more CO2 is absorbed.

As part of the request for proposal, entities are asked to submit a reforestation plan, as well as an economic development plan showing how carbon credits will be sold and marketed.

The proposals will be due on Aug. 31. A site visit to the Puu Mali region was held last week for entities interested in submitting a proposal.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved this first state carbon offset project in early July.