When Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced his plan during his State of the City address to introduce curbside recycling this year, public reaction was lukewarm. Yes, the people of Honolulu want recycling, as evidenced in November's vote. Paying for it, however, is another story.

With various tax increases and the cost of living rising at a steady pace, the fallout is understandable. But if we are to dedicate ourselves to alleviating the amount of waste that goes into our overburdened landfills, then we have to be willing to pay — through time, commitment and, yes, money.

The proposal is in its initial stages, but the mayor gave some possible options, including a pilot program in limited areas, such as Windward O'ahu, Mililani and Hawai'i Kai. The mayor also proposed alternating curbside recycling of regular trash and curbside greenwaste and mixed recyclables. Residents have the option of receiving a second pickup for a monthly fee of $10. It's a tough sell, considering Hono-lulu has benefited from free receptacles and twice-weekly trash collection, not to mention free greenwaste and monthly bulky-item pickup.

But it's a sensible approach to a problem that can no longer be ignored.

True to his word, the mayor is now set to take the issue to the community by launching a series of public meetings. The meetings will be focused on developing an "effective, efficient and environmentally sound plan" for managing Honolulu's waste.

Recycling is vital part of sustainability in Hawai'i. Our actions — and inactions — will affect the quality of life on these islands for generations to come. The mayor has said that this will be a priority for his administration. Let's hold him to that and show that it's a priority of the people as well.