Turning waste to energy, it's a proposed plan that Hawaii county lawmakers are considering as an alternative.

More than 40 people in Hilo came to the first hearing before the Hawaii County Council.

Those at the meeting got a chance to hear more on the proposed plans for a new $125-million waste-to-energy facility.

Waste-to-energy is a process that safely converts trash into clean renewable energy.

The hearing is one of five public meetings that are held through out the Big Island to give the public a chance to learn more about the proposal.

The council will vote on the proposed contract in early May.

The proposed facility, if approved, will be located at the Hilo landfill site.

Additional community hearings will be held as follows:

• April 7 - 6 p.m. - Keck Observatory, Waimea
• April 15 - 6 p.m. - Pahoa Community Center, Pahoa
• April 17 - 6 p.m. - Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Kailua-Kona
• April 18 - 6 p.m. - Pahala Community Center, Pahala

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