There's no apparent hidden agenda in the City Council's move to speed through a vote on Waikiki street performers tomorrow.

But it still makes little sense to step directly into this sensitive First Amendment matter on a rush basis.

It would be far better for the council to let matters take their normal course, which would suggest additional hearings and a final vote in January or February.

The extra time would allow for a possible compromise that would satisfy the safety issues raised by critics of the performers as well as the concerns of free-speech advocates and those who believe the performers add life to the Waikiki street scene.

On the table is a proposal to ban performers from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly on a four-block stretch fronting the International Marketplace. That's prime time and location for the street artists.

Councilman Charles Djou, a supporter of the bill, argues there is little chance that any minds will change between now and January, so why wait?

He's probably correct, if the choice boils down to the proposed ban or business as usual. But there are other options.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has already expressed some doubts about the plan, suggesting he would favor something that proactively encouraged street entertainment in certain places and at certain times.

There are also thoughts of a licensing scheme, similar to one in San Francisco, that might be used to encourage "Island-style" street performances, crafts and the like.

Imagine lei sellers and strolling Hawaiian musicians.

All this can be worked out, but it will take time.

The council should cancel a final vote tomorrow.