November 12 2003 Postage Stamps issued by Hawai'i Post

Three stamps were issued on November 12th 2003 depicting Royal Orders of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. All Royal Orders were conferred on those who performed distinguished services to the Kingdom. Hawaiians paid a fee, foreigners did not. All Royal Orders were made by Madame Kretly of Paris, France. All of the Royal Orders, except the Stars, show a Maltese cross of gold or silver below the Royal Crown. A ring goes through the orb on top of the crown. A striped ribbon is threaded through the ring for either wearing around the neck or with a pin attached to the ribbon for wearing on the chest. The Stars had no ribbons and were either worn suspended from a sash or pinned to the chest.

The $2 stamp (above left) prepays additional services, such as extra weight. It shows the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I. First established in 1865 by King Kamehameha V and awarded until 1886. A total of 139 were awarded. Three types - Knights Grand Cross Star ($250 fee), Knights Commander Cross (shown on stamp) ($150 fee) and Knights Companion Cross ($75 fee). On the Knights Commander Cross, the inscription above the letter K reads "KAMEHAMEHA I" on the front and on the back "E HOOKANAKA" which literally translated means "similar man" or fraternity.

The $5 stamp (above middle) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows the Royal Order of Queen Kapi'olani. First established in 1880 by King Kalakaua and awarded until 1892. A total of 180 were awarded. Six types - Grand Cross Star ($150 fee), High Grand Officer Star ($130 fee), Grand Officer Star ($125 fee), Commander Cross (shown on stamp) ($100 fee), Officer Cross (75 fee) , Companion Cross ($50 fee) and Medal . On the Commander Cross, on the front at the center of the cross, there are two letters K (back-to-back, one is reversed), above is the inscription "KULIA I KA NUU" - Queen Kapi'olani's motto. Literally translated it means "Strive to reach the summit". Above the inscription is a small gold medallion with a bust of the Queen. On the back, the center of the cross is the same and above is the word "KULIA" which means "strive". No medallion on the back.

The $8 stamp (above right) prepays the Same Day rate. It shows the Royal Order of King Kalakaua. First established in 1875 by King Kalakaua and awarded until 1892. A total of 254 were awarded. Four types - Knights Grand Cross ($150 fee), Grand Officer Star ($125 fee), Commander Cross (shown on stamp) ($100 fee) and Companion Cross ($50 fee). On the Commander Cross, on the front at the center of the cross, there is a kahili (a royal standard made of feathers), above is the inscription "KALAKAUA FEBRUARY 12TH 1874" - the date of his election as King. On the back, the center of the cross reads "1874" and above is the word "KEOLA" which translated means "life". Keola is also the patron star of the island of Lana'i. The back of the Order is shown on the stamp.

A booklet consisting of 3 panes containing 2 x $2, 2 x $5 and 2 x $8 stamps was also issued. Each pane consists of 2 stamps and has a white margin all around. "© 2003 Hawai'i Post" is printed vertically on the lower right side margin & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. is printed on the bottom margin of each pane.

The booklet is stapled twice at the left side. The booklet cover shows the Companion Cross of the Royal Order of Queen Kapi'olani which has a wide ribbon bow and was presented to women who performed distinguished services to the Kingdom.

A special thanks to the Hawai'i State Archives who greatly assisted in the preparation of this issue by allowing us to photograph their very valuable collection of Royal Orders,

Technical details of the stamps and mini-sheet:
Colors: $2, $5 and $8 multicolored.
Size: 32mm x 48mm.
Stamps sheet size: 30 (6 across, 5 down)
Perforation: 12.
Stamps design: Enelani.
Layout & Pre-press: Enelani.
Printer: Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Printing Method: 4-color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) printing process.
Sheet margin markings: HAWAI'I POST (top middle), "Traffic Light" showing 4 colors used in printing (lower left side), © 2003 Hawai'i Post (lower right side) & Hawai'i Security Printers, Honolulu, Hawai'i. (bottom middle)
Paper: GPA coated white stock with water-activated gum on the back.