Claiming a corner in history
By Kim Fassler
Advertiser Staff Writer
Thirty-five million postage stamps depicting the historic Diamond Head Lighthouse will soon be available to stamp collectors and lighthouse enthusiasts nationwide.
The stamp is one of five in the Pacific Lighthouse set, which will go on sale Thursday.
Four other lighthouses, one from each of the states on the Pacific Ocean, were chosen: Five Finger Lighthouse in Alaska, Umpqua River Lighthouse in Oregon, Grays Harbor Lighthouse in Washington state and St. George Reef Lighthouse in California.
"There wasn't much question that this lighthouse should be the one that was depicted because it is such a historic lighthouse in the state of Hawai'i," Postal Service spokesman Duke Gonzales said.
The original Diamond Head Lighthouse was erected in 1899 and replaced by a new lighthouse in 1917. In 1980 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It stands 147 feet above sea level and can be seen from as far away as 18 nautical miles.
"We feel like there will be a lot of interest, especially from tourists and lighthouse fans," Gonzales said.
The Diamond Head Lighthouse stamp will be unveiled at 1 p.m. by Rear Adm. Sally Brice-O'Hara, commander of the 14th Coast Guard District, and Honolulu Postmaster Frank Santos, on the lighthouse grounds.
They will be joined by Mrs. Hawai'i Nadine Wise and Miss Hawai'i USA Chanel Wise, the mother and daughter of postal employee Ahmahd Wise.