A majority of Hawaiians support allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.

According to a statewide telephone survey of 442 residents conducted between July 26-30 by QMark Research, 54 percent of respondents favor marriage equality, while 31 percent remain oppose.

Pollsters asked residents: “On the question of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, strongly oppose or somewhat oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry?”

When compared to a January poll conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research – which found 55 percent support – opposition has fallen six percent in just six months, from 37 percent to 31 percent.

“Here in Hawaii, across the nation, and around the world, public opinion has changed,” state Rep. Chris Lee, a Democrat, said in a Hawaii United for Marriage press release. “Most people recognize that marriage equality is simply a matter of fairness, respect and aloha.”

Hawaii, New Jersey, Illinois and Colorado currently recognize gay couples with civil unions.