A bill that would allow the city to remove property left on city sidewalks and parks for more than 24 hours is awaiting the mayor's signature.

The Honolulu City Council voted 8-1 to approve the measure on Wednesday, after lengthy and heated public testimony.

Immediately after the vote, oppponents of the bill chanted, "This bill is unconstitutional," and, "Remember who you really serve."

"It's a really emotional and hard thing to deal with to sit through all this -- basically, giving police a right to take all that people have on earth,? said opponent of the bill Luke Satsuma.

"Our goal with this bill is to make sure that everyone in our community is kept safe and has access to our public spaces," said Honolulu Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard, who introduced the bill.

Councilmembers voted in favor of the bill even though opponents were in the majority at Wednesday's public hearing.

"This is cruel and unusual punishment. It's a real travesty. These people are struggling to stay alive and you're going to take away the last of their possessions,? said David Carnell, who is homeless and uses a wheelchair.

Opponents also expressed concern about the cost of clearing, hauling and storing confiscated property.

But city attorneys told the council the city intends to use resources from its current budget.

Supporters of the bill also expressed concern about costs.