H3 GRAND OPENING
On December 12th 1997, the H3 Freeway was
opened to vehicular traffic. The H3 Freeway runs 16 miles from the Halawa
section of Honolulu across the Ko'olau Mountains to Kane'ohe Bay. It cost
$1.3 billion to build over a period of 34 years. Construction was delayed
many times for environmental and cultural reasons. On opening day this cover
was cancelled in Honolulu and also in Kane'ohe, creating a cover which was
cancelled at both ends of the Freeway. It was also signed on the back stating
that the cover rode the full length of the Freeway on the first day of opening
(see second photo below).
ENVELOPE: Cream colored. Size 6.5"
x 3.5" (165mm x 92mm)
CACHET: Color picture of the H3 Freeway twisting
its way over the Ko'olaus (from a photo).
CACHET TEXT: "The H3 Freeway runs 16 miles
from Honolulu across the Ko'olaus to Kane'ohe Bay. It cost $1.3 billion
to build over a period of 34 years."(vertical). H3 symbol plus text
"H3 GRAND OPENING, DECEMBER 12TH 1997" (horizontal)
STAMP: 32c Pacific 97 Stagecoach stamp (Scott
# 3131) & 32c Flag over porch (Scott # 2897)
CANCELLATION: Circular date stamp cancel "HONOLULU
HI WAIKIKI STA. DEC 12 1997." Plus Circular date stamp cancel "KANEOHE
HI DEC 12 1997." Notice that the Kane'ohe cancel uses the obsolete
initials for the US Postal Service (USPO - now USPS)
COVER BACK: Contains the following text and signature below the flap:- 
CACHET MAKER: Enelani.
NUMBER MADE: 50.
ITEM # 97DEC12
PRICE: $3.50
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