The ceremonies at the center 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.

"It's extremely important that our coral reef ecosystems are kept healthy, since Hawai'i's reefs are home to over 7,000 species, some of which are not found anywhere else on earth," Tavares said. "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-by-16-foot mural, installed on a wall outside the center's retail plaza, depicts the fragile beauty and abundant life of Hawai'i'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 the Ocean Center's Hawaiian cultural adviser, Kahu Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr.

Maui Ocean Center's general manager, Kate Zolezzi, also offered remarks in honor of the occasion.

"The health of Hawai'i's reefs is not only vital to maintaining a tourist attraction, but for the health of the entire island chain," Zolezzi said. "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, 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 Tavares for his work on Maui's logo for the International Year of the Reef 2008.

"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, Ka'anapali 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.