Until now, proponents with both the Honolulu City Council and the administration had said Bill 54 isn’t specifically focused on the homeless but is instead about a different issue — personal belongings on public space.

That’s still the company line, but the presence of the state government’s homeless czar, Marc Alexander, shows that some players know that the impact to the homeless is a key component of the bill.

But there’s little hospitality in the air. Council members are going pretty rough on their guest from across the street.

Nestor Garcia, who’s opposed the bill, pressed for proof that the state’s homeless initiative has helped. Romy Cachola, who has raised concerns about the cost of the proposal, asked brusquely why Alexander refuses to acknowledge that the bill targets the homeless.

The Alexander cross-examination continues, with others lined up to testify.