Gavin Thornton, co-executive director of Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, said a $2 billion housing development effort is needed.

"While that might not be a realistic proposal politically, I really believe that is the most realistic proposal out there for solving the affordable housing crisis," Thornton said. "It's going to require some pretty drastic action like that if you want to make some real progress."

On homelessness, lawmakers set aside $16.6 million for 2018, well above the $12 million spent in 2017, according to figures provided by Scott Morishige, the governor's coordinator on homelessness. They only set aside about $4 million for 2019, but advocates will have a chance to push for more money next year, Morishige said.