Efforts to protect O'ahu's environment could get a boost from a package of proposals unveiled yesterday by two City Council members who have butted heads with Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Eighteen bills and resolutions sponsored by councilmembers Ann Kobayashi and Donovan Dela Cruz would ban the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, promote hybrid vehicles, require the city to decrease water consumption and address other concerns.

"The city has not exactly been a role model for environmental leadership; we can do better," Dela Cruz said in a statement released with the proposals.

Kobayashi said the city "has the ability to lead the way in being environmentally responsible — we've got to demand more from ourselves and the administration when it comes to improving our impact on O'ahu's environment."

Hannemann spokesman Bill Brennan said many of their proposals seemed to mirror ideas the administration is already working on though its "21st Century Ahupua'a" program and other initiatives.

"We applaud their interest and welcome them into the 21st Century Ahupua'a 'ohana," Brennan said. "They've obviously read the mayor's Sustainability Plan and are reacting to it. That's a good thing. Better late than never."

The measures introduced by Kobayashi and Dela Cruz would also: