Honolulu lawmakers are pushing to criminalize taking shopping carts off store property, a move retailers back but homeless advocates say unfairly punishes poor people.

• A city bill would let police fine people up to $2,000 or jail them for 30 days for having a shopping cart in public without permission.
• Retailers support the measure, arguing an unreturned cart is no different from stealing merchandise.
• Advocates warn the bill mainly hurts homeless people, who often rely on carts as their only way to move their belongings.
• Critics also raise the question of what happens to a person's belongings if they're arrested while pushing a cart.
• The bill already cleared committee and now goes to the full city council, with more public input expected before a final vote.

Outlook: The full council will take up Bill 53 next, and opponents are expected to keep pushing for exceptions for homeless residents before any final vote.