.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
June 7th 2004 - Hawaiian Lighthouses III.
(See also Hawaiian Lighthouses Part I (Aloha Tower) and Hawaiian Lighthouses Part II.)
Three stamps and a mini-sheet were issued on June 7th 2004 showing three different Hawaiian lighthouses. One on O'ahu and two on Kaua'i. This is the third in a series of Hawaiian Lighthouses.
The $2 stamp (above left) prepays additional charges such as extra weight. It shows the Kilauea Point Lighthouse on the north coast of Kaua'i. In 1909, the U.S. government acquired the land at Kilauea Point. Plans were drawn up for a lighthouse in 1911 (see mini-sheet) which was completed and dedicated in 1913. The lighthouse guided ships arriving from Asia who recognized the lighthouse when they saw a double flash every ten seconds. The original lens was a Fresnel lens made in France, and lighted by an oil vapor lamp. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1976 and replaced with an automated electronic beacon which was built in front of the lighthouse. Since 1979, the lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.
The $5 stamp (above middle) prepays the Overnight rate. It shows the Nawiliwili lighthouse on the south east coast of Kaua'i at Nini Point. It is located at the northern entrance to Nawiliwili Bay which was dredged and enclosed by a breakwater to form the Nawiliwili Harbor. The name comes from the Wiliwili trees which once grew in the area. The first lighthouse was wooden and began operation in 1897 and was run by the Republic of Hawai'i.The second lighthouse, 33 feet tall with a lens lantern on top, started operation in 1906. It was rebuilt in 1923. The fourth and current lighthouse, a 86 feet tall concrete structure, was built in 1932. The lighthouse was automated in 1953. In 1984, the Fresnel lens, together with the lantern room at the top of the lighthouse, were removed and replaced by an automated electronic beacon. The tower is painted a buff color, instead of the usual white, so as to be in line with a local ordnance.
 The original Barber's Point lighthouse. |
... | The $8 stamp (above right) prepays the Same Day rate. It shows Barbers Point lighthouse on the south west coast of O'ahu. The name Barbers Point originally had an apostrophe (Barber's Point) which was dropped in 1968. The Point is named after Captain Henry Barber of the brig "Arthur" which was shipwrecked in 1796 on a reef nearby. In 1888, a 42-foot tower was built of coral stone laid in a cement mortar and contained a Fresnel lens on top (see photo at left). In 1933, a 72-foot concrete tower was built next to the original one, which was then demolished. In 1964, the Fresnel lens was replaced by an airway beacon. In 1985, the lantern room and airway beacon were removed from the top of the tower and replaced by a rotating beacon. |
During World War II, all of the Hawaiian lighthouses were darkened for security reasons.
An $8 mini-sheet (above), which prepays the Same Day rate, was also issued. It shows the original blueprint, dated August 1911, for the Kilauea Point Lighthouse on the north coast of Kaua'i, which was built and started operations in 1913.
The cachet on the First Day Cover shows the 3 lighthouses on the stamps with a short description of each one.
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. "© 2004 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 front cover depicts a different view of the Kilauea Point Lighthouse on the north coast of Kaua'i. The back cover has a list of the postage rates of Hawai'i Post.
WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS ON ALL ORDERS
Technical details of the stamps:
Colors: $2, $5 and $8 stamps and $8 Mini-sheet - Multicolored
Size: 48mm x 32mm ($2 stamp), 32mm x 48mm ($5 & $8 stamps), 84mm x 70mm (Mini-sheet)
Stamps sheet size: 30 ($2 - 6 down, 5 across), ($5, $8 - 5 down, 6 across).
Perforation: Stamps perf 12. Mini-sheet imperforate.
Stamps & Mini-sheet 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), © 2002 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.
Return to list of stamp issues
For details on upcoming stamp issues click here