Traditional Hawaiian ocean sports are depicted on a new postage stamp unveiled yesterday in Washington, D.C.

The stamp, designed by Hawaii artist and historian Herb Kane, will be released in August to commemorate Hawaii's 50th anniversary of statehood.

A surfer on a longboard and two paddlers in an outrigger canoe are depicted riding a wave to shore on the stamp of vivid blue, red and gold.

U.S. Postmaster General John Potter gave U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie a preview of the design.

“;Celebrating our statehood in 1959, the symbolism is powerful, portraying a people set on course for a prosperous life in the new state of Hawaii,”; Akaka said in a news release.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation naming Hawaii the 50th state on Aug. 21, 1959, following approval by Congress and a plebiscite of Hawaii citizens.

Abercrombie said, “;Herb Kawainui Kane has done a masterful job of expressing the beauty and energy of Hawaii's special relationship with the sea.”;

The stamp will be formally announced next month when the U.S. Postal Service unveils its 2009 stamp designs.

A special First Day of Issue event will be held in Honolulu in August.