HONOLULU -- The Senate committee meeting on a bill approving civil unions dragged on into the early morning hours, ending in a 3-3 vote tie that stalled the measure. However, it may not be the end for the bill.

Hundreds of people packed into the Capitol's auditorium for the hearing. There was an overflow of dozens of people into the hallway.

Groups for and against the bill spoke out. The hearing comes on the heels of two days of demonstrations by the two sides.

On Sunday, about 2,000 people from churches around the state gathered to oppose a measure that gives same-sex partners the same rights and benefits as married couples. On Monday, a group of Christian, Buddhist and Jewish clergy signed a declaration of support for the bill.

The bill would also recognize same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships from other states.

Outside the Capitol, signwavers demonstrated against House Bill 444.

A supporter of civil unions argued with opponents waving signs.

"I hate, hate. I hate, hate. They stopped couples from marrying and the justified it with religion and that is what you are doing," the man yelled.

The hearing is expected to last late into the evening.

The vote split by the senators with Chairman Sens. Brian Taniguchi, Dwight Takamine and Clarence Nishihara for the bill and Sens. Sam Slom, Mike Gabbard and Robert Bunda against the measure.

Senators may vote to take the measure out of committee for a vote by the full Senate. Senate President Colleen Hanabusa said she believes there are enough votes for it to pass.

Nine senators must vote to take the bill out of committee. Such a move is rare. The last time it happened was about 10 years ago.

One possible alternative lawmakers are considering could be for the Legislature to give the public the chance to vote on civil unions in a Constitutional ammendment at the ballot.