The state House voted this afternoon to reject a motion to recall a bill allowing American flags to be displayed on flagpoles in planned communities.

The bill had been deferred by the House Housing Committee. State Rep. Kymberly Pine, R-43rd (`Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, Pu'uloa), the bill's sponsor, made the motion to recall, which required one-third of the House — or 17 of 51 members — to agree.

Fourteen members voted for the recall.

Dozens of veterans, including many carrying American flags, were in the House chamber and were disappointed by the vote.

State Rep. Rida Cabanilla, D-42nd (Waipahu, Honouliuli, `Ewa), the chairwoman of the House Housing Committee, said she would introduce a resolution to create a task force to study the issue of flag displays in planned communities.

Pine said the state Legislature has previously allowed clotheslines in planned communities, and just this week the House passed a bill allowing solar devices.

An emotional Pine said denying the recall motion, for veterans, is "like taking away air from their lungs."