Hawaii could soon have the Kamehameha butterfly as its official state insect—thanks to lobbying by Pearl Ridge Elementary School students.

House Bill 135 designating the native Kamehameha butterfly, which resembles the monarch butterfly, as the state insect has been sent to Gov. Linda Lingle.

The bill, introduced by state Rep. Blake Oshiro (D, Aiea-Halawa-Red Hill), was supported by fifth-grade students at the school.

Oshiro said the students researched and testified in favor of the bill as part of a class project.

“;This bill is a great example of how anyone can participate in the process, get their voice heard and affect policy,”; Oshiro said.

Student Jenna Yanke said in testimony to the Legislature, “;The more I learned about this wonderful insect, the more I fell in love with it.”;