Supporters who wanted civil unions given the same status as marriage aren't happy with the Governor's decision, and vow to continue fighting.
After the governor's announcement, civil unions supporters gathered for a rally -- a sort of pep talk if you will.
Obviously today didn't go the way they had hoped.
It's not easy for adults to take the news.
So imagine how hard it must be if you're only ten
"Why did she do this?" said Shylar Young.
Shylar Young has two moms, and went knocking door to door with them at the State Capitol back in April, handing out portraits of same sex couples.
"My son and Shyler are best friends and I've seen how much this means to all of us and I also have a brother and my son's godfather is gay. So I've seen how they've suffered with discrimination," said Cynthia Fritts, Civil Unions Supporter.
Civil unions supporters found comfort in each other after learning that Governor Lingle vetoed the bill that would've given same sex couples the same rights as married couples.
"What do we deserve? Equal rights. How will we get them? Fight. What do we deserve? Equal rights. How will we get them? Fight."
The battle over equal rights for same sex couples began in 1990 as a fight for same sex marriage, and last year the fight shifted to civil unions.
"Let's just remember the progress we made and how we have grown as a community and politically matured," said Alan Spector, Equality Hawaii.
The Governor's veto means that Shylar Young's moms still won't be legally recognized as a couple.
"It's very terrible. I don't like it," said Young.
"History will show just how wrong this decision was. And everyone will have civil rights one way," said Fritts.
The ACLU is also an advocate for civil unions, and plans to file a lawsuit in the coming months, stating that the Hawaii constitution prevents discrimination.
