Mayor Mufi Hannemann wants to crack down on bulky-item pickup abuse by imposing civil fines against those who throw out sofas, toilet bowls and other heavy items before it's time.

Property owners could be fined $500 a day if bulky items are left out longer than the evening before a scheduled pickup, under a bill Hannemann is having introduced before the City Council. Three inspectors assigned to the city Department of Environmental Services would be tasked with looking into complaints. Warnings would be issued, giving property owners one week to remove the bulky items from sidewalks. After that, the fines would kick in.

Presently, the issue is dealt with by the Honolulu Police Department as a littering issue. City officials say the proposed changes would allow for a swifter response.

Hannemann said bulky rubbish strewn on city sidewalks is the No. 1 complaint coming into the city, with more than 600 calls last year alone.