There's a dustup between the governor and the housing board over a plan to convert 14 public housing units in Kalihi into a transitional shelter for the homeless.

In fact, Gov. Linda Lingle made her plea Thursday to the state Public Housing Authority Board in person: "What you're doing is giving families a chance."

That's tough to argue with. Or is it?

Some lawmakers, residents and the head of the housing board oppose the conversion at Puahala Homes, and they, too, have a valid point: Doing so, they argue, would be unfair to 7,000 folks who are waiting in line for public housing. Many on that list are hanging by a financial thread, relying on the kindness of others to provide a roof over the heads.

The conversion would create transitional units to pick up 13 families from the state's Kaka'ako Next Step shelter, which must move this summer. It's another crisis for families on the edge, as the state works to find a spot for a permanent $20 million facility.

It's a painful shame that there's a firestorm over 14 low-income units — we're deciding whose need is more dire, that of a homeless family or someone living in poverty waiting for affordable housing.

It also underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response — on several levels — to deal with homelessness in the Islands. That solution must include a range of lower-income housing options, from emergency shelters to transitional units to affordable rentals.

While the state has worked hard to address the issue and to ensure social service needs are met, the private sector can play a greater role in offering workplace and social service programs to help those in need find economic viability.

The tide has got to shift. And with the economy under a cloud, it's imperative that homeless solutions continue to be on the front burner, so that we don't find ourselves fighting over what is arguably a small slice of the pie.