HONOLULU -- State senators voted 18 to 7 in favor of a civil unions bill designed to give same-sex more rights as married couples do.

Supporters and opponents of the civil union bill packed the Senate gallery on Friday before a key vote. At about 11:10 a.m., officials opened the gallery to the public. It was packed with an overflow crowd.

Opponents of House Bill 444 wore white T-shirts. Supporters wore rainbow-colored lei.

Senators rejected an amendment to the bill that would have changed the date of the measure from Jan. 1, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2011.

Senators then began debate of the bill. The measure drew heated debate by senators on both sides of the issue.

"This bill would replace what traditional marriage is," Sen. Sam Slom said.

"For me, it is about equal treatment," Sen. Rosalyn Baker said. She said she did not see anything in the bill that would take away from traditional marriage.

Cheers erupted after the vote was counted.

"We're very pleased that the Hawaii State Senate took action and passed the civil unions bill today," Equality Hawaii Co-Chairwoman Tambry Young said in a written statement. "The Senate acted with great courage, conviction and integrity. They did the right thing for all of Hawaii's families."

Voted Against HB 444: Sen. Sam Slom
Sen. Fred Hemmings
Sen. Robert Bunda
Sen. Will Espero
Sen. Donna Kim
Sen. Norman Sakamoto
Sen. Mike Gabbard

Sen. Will Espero was the only senator to change his position from last year. During the last legislative session, Espero voted in favor of the measure with reservations.

“The state Senate is clearly at odds with the people of Hawai‘i," Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said in a written statement. "Instead of redefining the institution of marriage, legislators should be focused on improving public education and balancing the state budget."

The 18 votes for the measure would keep the bill veto-proof. The measure now goes to the House for another vote.

There were extra sheriffs posted in the Senate Chambers.

Retired Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Steven Levinson sat with supporters wearing a lei. It was his decision in 1993 that favored same-sex marriage. Voters approved an amendment in 1998 that outlawed gay marriage.

Gov. Linda Lingle has said that lawmakers should shelve the civil unions issue to focus on the $1.2 billion budget shortfall.