Hawaii lawmakers have indefinitely shelved a bill which would have allowed civil unions for same-sex couples.

Gay equality campaigners in the state House shouted "shame!" as the issue of civil unions was tabled with a simple "aye" and "no" voice vote coming after no debate.

Pro-relationship equality supporters aren't giving up hope, however. "Civil rights aren't going to go away," Rep. Joe Bertram III told the Maui News. "If not this year, it will have to be next year."

A local TV news report appears below.