HONOLULU — A U.S. postage stamp marking Hawaii's 50th anniversary of statehood is to be unveiled next month, when the Postal Service displays its 2009 stamps.

But U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, both Hawaii Democrats, were treated to a special preview today in Washington by Postmaster General John Potter.

Designed by Hawaii artist and historian Herb Kawainui Kane, the stamp depicts a surfer and a two canoe paddlers riding a wave. It will be issued next summer.

Akaka says Kane's "beautiful portrait of Hawaiian life will inspire Americans across the country."

Abercrombie commented that Kane has done "a masterful job of expressing the beauty and energy in Hawaii's special relationship with the sea."

Kane was honored as a Living Treasure of Hawaii in 1984.