State legislators are killing a resolution that would have recognized the cultural merits of illegal cockfighting.

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

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

The Democrat says he's disappointed the measure did not advance because cockfighting aficionados put so much effort and enthusiasm into getting official recognition from Hawai'i's elected officials.

Manahan said he will consider reviving the issue next year.