The unveiling of the Hawai'i Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission's top five themes for the state's commemorative 25-cent coin is being postponed to give the group more time to weigh options.

The U.S. Mint has extended the deadline to submit narratives of the five themes until Sept. 29, but the Hawai'i Quarter is still expected to be released in fall 2008.

"In our five (themes) we have what the majority (of the public) is asking for," said Jonathan Johnson, chairman of the commission. "Kamehameha, hula, surfing, Diamond Head, and the island chain are all reoccurring themes."

The public has had opportunity since February to participate in the process by submitting theme suggestions by way of Internet, mail or fax. Although the commission is several months into the process, Johnson said, continued public input is welcome at meetings.

"This is a real unified group representing the public," Johnson said of the commission.

The commission will submit themes and narratives to the U.S. Mint, where two or three designs will be drafted for each theme, said Russell Pang, a spokesman for Gov. Linda Lingle. By the end of this year, the designs will be sent back to the commission for review. The commission and the U.S. Mint will then work together to refine the designs, Pang said.

In the first quarter of 2007 the commission will submit three to five designs to Hawai'i's governor, who will select one design.

In April, the design goes to the U.S. Mint for final approval from the Secretary of Treasury, and in 2008 the Hawai'i Commemorative Quarter will be minted.

Reach Brittany Yap at byap@honoluluadvertiser.com.