STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1215

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 135

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Economic Development and Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 135 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE INSECT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to designate the pulelehua, also known as the Kamehameha butterfly, as the official insect of the State.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by five students from Pearl Ridge Elementary School and one concerned individual.  Written testimony presented to the Committee may be reviewed on the Legislature's website.

     Your Committee finds that the Kamehameha butterfly is an insect that is native to the State and there is concern that the insect may become an endangered species.  Your Committee also finds that naming the Kamehameha butterfly as the official insect of the State would be a fitting representation of the history, traditions, and culture of Hawaii.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 135, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development and Technology,

____________________________

CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair