HONOLULU -- Curbside recycling will likely be restored for Waipahu and the Waianae Coast, KITV has learned.

Last week, the City Council's Budget Committee cut expansion of curbside recycling from the budget to raise the property tax credit for homeowners.

Now, council members may reduce the tax credit to bring curbside recycling to Leeward Oahu after all.

Last Monday, the Budget Committee cut $6 million that would have funded expansion of curbside recycling from Waipahu through the Waianae Coast starting in May of 2010.

Budget Chairman Nestor Garcia, and City Council Chairman Todd Apo, both of whom represent the area, told KITV they are hopeful that they can restore curbside recycling.

"I'm glad that they're trying, and I hope that they try hard and restore that $6 million in funds," Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Board Chairwoman Patty Teruya said. "They need to make sure that they balance this budget without delaying this process for the West Oahu."

To pay for recycling, the council may reduce the homeowner's tax credit they just approved increasing to $175 last week. It may be a "slight decrease" in the tax credit, as well as finding other unspent money in the city's operating budget, council sources said.

The proposed cut has angered some along the Leeward Coast, which is home to the city's only landfill.

"We have been burdened with all these landfills in our area, and the common sense is that we should have been the first pilot program, our community," Teruya said.

The $6 million would pay for the purchase and distribution of recycling bins as well as a public education campaign for thousands of homes in Waipahu, Waikele, Kapolei, Nanakuli and Waianae.

Council members said that in the least, they should be able to partially restore the recycling funds, bringing curbside pickup to some of those West Oahu neighborhoods starting next year.