Amid a marathon of public hearings with 61 people testifying on a single day, the Maui County Council narrowly passed a bill on first reading that would allow a residential development on 670 acres in Wailea.

The 5-4 vote Friday would also allow the developer, Honua’ula Partners LLC, to reduce the number of homes from 1,400 to 1,150 and cut the number of workforce housing units from 700 to 288. The developer said a prior proposal in 2008 did not pencil out.

Council chair Alice Lee has talked about scheduling the date for another public hearing, this time in Kihei, followed by a second and final vote later this month.

A major portion of the criticism during public hearings has focused on the reduction in workforce housing. Although Honua’ula Partners is providing more than the 25% of affordable housing required under the Maui County code, some council members say 288 units is too much of a reduction.

“I think the goal posts have been moved on this project, and over the long years that we watch it go, it’s like dangling the carrot and we’re the mule chasing this carrot — these homes,” said Maui County Councilman Gabe Johnson. “I think, c’mon folks, we can do better. As a builder, you can do better than this.”

Council member Shane Sinenci, who opposed the bill, said the county needs to consider the potential profit from the project.

Sinenci said the Wailea-Makena area is the “Gold Coast” of Maui where housing units are valued at $5 million, $20 million, some even at $60 million.

“The developers are saying they cannot pencil out, but at the same time, we’re not seeing their books,” Sinenci said.

Lee, who supported the bill, said she feels the county government doesn’t do enough to provide affordable housing and is shoving the responsibility on developers.

“It’s time we look at home to see what we can do,” Lee said.

Another criticism has been on the expanded use of water for luxury homes, many of which are owned by people who do not live on Maui.

“We’re in a big drought. We just had a big fire,” Council member Tamara Palin said. “If there is any water in the aquifer, it should be used for affordable housing.”

Council member Tom Cook, who supported the project, said he thinks the doom-and-gloom aspect of the proposed project has been overemphasized.

“I believe we can manage our floodwaters to recharge the aquifer and keep the dirt out of the ocean,” Cook said. “I believe a lot of things are possible. I’m looking at the more positive aspects of these homes.”

Under the bill, nonpotable water shall be used for all irrigation purposes.

Honua’ula Partners would be required to develop and maintain the operation of a private wastewater treatment facility and system that accommodates the needs of the entire 670 acres.

The proposed bill also calls for Honua’ula Partners to contribute $5 million to develop a cultural, education and community facility, including a plant nursery.