• About Coral Reefs
  • What Are Coral Reefs?
  • Benefits of Coral Reefs
  • Status of and Threat to Coral Reefs
• About IYOR
  • Key Background Documents
  • IYOR Ad Hoc Committee
  • Focal Points
  • Sponsors
• News & Events
  • Events Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Newsletter Sign-up
  • IYOR in the News
  • Archive
• IYOR Resources
  • Key Background Documents
  • Educational Materials
  • IYOR 2008 Logo
  • Tips to Protect Coral Reefs
  • Friends of IYOR 2008
• Get Involved
  • Register your IYOR 2008 Activity
  • What Can You Do?
  • Activity and Event Ideas
  • Funding Opportunities
• Contact IYOR

January 7, 2008, Maalaea - In honor of 2008 as "International Year of the Reef," Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued a proclamation and helped unveil a large mural commissioned by Maui Ocean Center (MOC); the event was held Friday, December 14, 2007.

The ceremonies at MOC were coordinated by Ola Na Papa I Pulama ia, "Cherish the Living Reefs," a community task force spearheaded by the Mayor's Office and County Environmental Coordinator Kuhea Paracuelles. The Ola Na Papa I Pulama ia was initiated in May 2007 to promote awareness of IYOR and related activities. The task force is comprised of 40 members representing more than 20 State and County agencies and private organizations, including businesses and non-profits.

"It's extremely important that our coral reef ecosystems are kept healthy, since Hawaii's reefs are home to over 7,000 species, some of which are not found anywhere else on earth," said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. "Educating our visitors and residents is important, and this task force is one way to spread the word on how everyone can do their part to minimize their impact on our coral reefs."

The 5' x 16' mural, installed on a wall outside the center's retail plaza, depicts the fragile beauty and abundant life of Hawaii's reefs. Colorful corals, fish, rays, turtles and a shark highlight renowned Maui artist Mark MacKay's stunning work, which invites viewers to see the ocean from an underwater perspective.

A blessing of the mural was conducted by MOC's Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, Kahu Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell, Sr. Maui Ocean Center's general manager, Kate Zolezzi, also offered remarks in honor of the occasion.

"The health of Hawaii's reefs is not only vital to maintaining a tourist attraction, but for the health of the entire island chain," Zolezzi commented. "We fully support the County's efforts with the International Year of the Reef program, which fits perfectly with the mission of Maui Ocean Center. We are pleased that Mayor Tavares chose the aquarium as the backdrop for her official proclamation." Zolezzi also noted that in celebration of the year of the reef, Maui Ocean Center will host several special activities in January and throughout the year, including a new monthly program, "Night at the Reef."

During the ceremonies Friday, Mayor Tavares announced two other reef awareness campaigns that are supported by the County's Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in conjunction with the International Year of the Reef. The artwork for both campaigns was designed by Geoff Moore, of Silver Moon Art and Design, who was recognized by Mayor Tavares for his work on Maui's logo for the International Year of the Reef 2008.

"Year of the Reef" 2-2-2

"Respecting Coral Reefs," a signage program, has been developed with the help of Liz Foote and Project S.E.A.-Link. The full-color signs, which will be initially installed at Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay, Black Rock, Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina Harbor, Olowalu, Ulua Beach, Wailea Beach, Makena Landing and Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve, will teach beach-goers how they can respect and help protect the delicate coral reef ecosystem. The signs are a collaborative effort made possible by funding and technical expertise from the County of Maui- OED, Coral Reef Alliance, CORAL, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Pacific Whale Foundation, Project S.E.A.-Link, Reflections Underwater Photography, Sheraton Maui Resort, Silver Moon Art and Design, Tiffany and Company Foundation, and the Wailea Community Association.

Also beginning in 2008, the County will be tackling the problem of cigarette butt litter on beaches by supporting Pacific Whale Foundation's "Butts Off the Beach" awareness campaign. The campaign educates smokers about cigarette butt litter through eye-catching ads, PSAs and posters- and offers free portable ashtrays to smokers to store used cigarette butts. While many people erroneously think that cigarette butts simply decompose in the environment, it can actually take two to 15 years for cigarette butts to break down. Made of a type of plastic, cigarette butts leach chemicals such as cadmium, lead and arsenic into the marine environment, and wildlife often mistake cigarette butts for food.

For more information on the County's Year of the Reef task force and related activities, contact Kuhea Paracuelles, County Environmental Coordinator, at 242-1180.