The city has become expert at recycling one thing, anyway: excuses.

Hundreds of companies and apartment buildings have set out collection bins for recyclables. Many residents in Mililani and Hawai'i Kai have embraced curbside recycling in the city's pilot program.

Why, then, is the city still tap dancing about increasing its participation in its own and other properties?

Officials are considering whether to use special recycling bins or adapt existing trash cans for that purpose.

The City Council seems anxious for progress, but had to defer action on a proposal to mandate recycling in the city's nearly 300 city parks, as well as golf courses and in city buildings. It seems the Hannemann administration, which has dragged its feet on recycling from the start, is still evaluating its programs, and has identified a potential snag.

The city administration has told council members that the job description for workers who collect rubbish in parks may not cover the task of picking up recyclables.

Even if that glitch exists, there's no reason why the city had to wait until now to uncover it and work things out.

In the years since the mayor took office, the city could have progressed much further in public education at events and through relatively inexpensive efforts on its own property.

On Wednesday the council is due to hear the administration's progress report. There's been more than enough enthusiasm and support for the program to justify its expansion.

Can we move off this dime? Honolulu seems committed, but needs a city administration with the same zeal.