HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers are killing a resolution that would have recognized the cultural merits of illegal cockfighting.

The Hawaii House of Representatives scuttled the proposal Tuesday by sending it back to its committee.

Tourism, Culture and International Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Joey Manahan says there weren't enough votes in the full House to keep the measure alive after it had been approved on a 4-2 vote in his committee Monday.

The Democrat says he's disappointed the measure didn't advance because cockfighting enthusiasts put so much effort and enthusiasm into getting official recognition from Hawaii's elected officials.

Manahan says he will consider reviving the issue next year.