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Making waves

Hawaiian island hosts first stamp event

People unveil stamp artwork during ceremony
The O Beautiful stamp that depicts the Nāpali coast is unveiled at the ceremony. From left are Hanalei Postmaster Eileen Brieck, Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho, photographer Tim De La Vega and Honolulu District Manager Greg Wolny.

The Postal Service held a special ceremony last week for a stamp that depicts Hawaii’s iconic Nāpali coast.

The stamp, which features a sunset image of crashing waves against the coastline, is part of O Beautiful, a pane of 20 stamps that visually represent lyrics to the patriotic standard “America the Beautiful.”

The Aug. 16 event featured remarks by Tim De La Vega, the Kauai photographer who shot the stamp image, Hanalei Postmaster Eileen Brieck, Honolulu District Manager Greg Wolny and Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho.

“The dedication of this new stamp today is a special occasion for the Postal Service and for the many who have an interest in the north shore of Kauai,” said Brieck. “Every stamp event is a cause for celebration. But this event is extra special because it’s the first-ever stamp dedication event held on Kauai. So you’re all witnessing a bit of history today.”

While a previous stamp featured a Kauai image — Mount Waialeale — this was the first time that a stamp dedication ceremony was held on the island.

The event also served as a celebration of the reopening of the Hanalei Post Office, which reopened for business last month after it was closed due to the record rains and heavy flooding that hit Kauai in April.

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