HONOLULU -- The U.S. Postal Service on Monday gave a preview of a postage stamp commemorating Hawaii's 50th anniversary of statehood.

The stamp features a painting by Hawaii artist Herb Kane. The painting shows a surfer and canoe paddlers.

The preview of the stamp was presented to Sen. Daniel Akaka and Rep. Neil Abercrombie.

"Kane's beautiful portrait of Hawaiian life will inspire Americans across the country as this stamp is sent around. 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 statement.

"Herb Kawainui Kane has done a masterful job of expressing the beauty and energy in Hawaii's special relationship with the sea. I am happy to join Sen. Akaka in unveiling this image, which celebrates a half century of Hawaii statehood," Abercrombie said in a written statement.

The USPS plans to issue the stamp at an event in summer 2009 in Honolulu.

Hawaii became a U.S. territory in 1898 and the 50th state on Aug. 21, 1959.

"We look forward with great excitement to the issuance of this Hawaii stamp next year," USPS Honolulu District Manager Daryl Ishizaki said in a written statement. "It's an honor for the state to be commemorated in this fashion and an honor for the Postal Service to play a part in such a historic occasion. We anticipate tremendous interest in the stamp from collectors in Hawaii and throughout the world."