[ OUR OPINION ]

Flak over landfill
should stir fresh ideas
for trash disposal

The drawn-out, bitter selection process has raised acute awareness that much more can be done to decrease the thousands of tons of trash trucked to the landfill every day.

City officials should work quickly to set goals and strategies so that the use of Waimanalo Gulch can be extended far longer than its estimated 15-year capacity. At the same time, the city should make every effort to buffer the landfill from the surrounding community.

Leeward residents were understandably disappointed by the City Council's decision to keep the landfill at its current location. They have had to live with the smell, litter escaping from refuge trucks and the ugliness of the island's opala for nearly 15 years.

However, under the circumstances, the Council's choice was the least of all evils, the most reasonable when cost, environment and suitability were evaluated.

Though the Council's numerous hearings intensified divisiveness among residents, the discussion produced several ideas to mitigate the unpleasant effects of the landfill. Landscaping can mask visual blight, garbage trucks can be scheduled to lessen traffic congestion and fencing can reduce dust and debris.

While making life near a landfill more bearable is necessary, it is more important that the city and residents get with the waste-reduction program.

The stalled curbside recycling program would be a good start. The city needs to settle its dispute with the United Public Workers union so that bottles, cans, glass and newspapers are diverted from the waste stream. In addition, the city should assist the state with the new beverage container law. It could even operate collection and redemption hubs in cooperation with the state.

The city also should encourage businesses and industries to recycle their trash and offer incentives at apartments and condominiums that don't get city refuse service. The city might consider giving credits to people who reduce their need for the service. For example, a household that cuts collections to once a week could get a property tax deduction.

During the selection process, some Council members contended that new technology could eliminate the need for a landfill. None offered specifics, but Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi appeared to have researched the matter, saying that other municipalities are using such methods.

The Council should ask Kobayashi to open her portfolio so that it and the administration can examine the substance of her assertions. If she's got the answer, she needs to share it for the good of the city.

The landfill controversy has stimulated a drive to find better ways to deal with garbage. City officials should not let this great opportunity go to waste.