The Friends of Waikīkī ´¡±ç³Ü²¹°ù¾±³Ü³¾¡¯²õ was recognized by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green with a special message and by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi with a proclamation marking August 13 as Waikīkī ´¡±ç³Ü²¹°ù¾±³Ü³¾¡¯²õ Adopt-a-Polyp Day.
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“Through the Adopt-a-Polyp campaign, residents and visitors deepen their appreciation for Hawaiʻi¡¯s coral reefs while actively engaging in the vital role our community plays in helping protect these extraordinary marine ecosystems,” Blangiardi stated in his proclamation.
“The Waikīkī Aquarium is grateful to the Friends of Waikīkī Aquarium, and we¡¯re deeply honored by both the Mayor¡¯s proclamation and the Governor¡¯s recognition of our long-standing efforts to conserve ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ corals and educate our visitors about these critically important organisms,” said Judy Lemus, interim director of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
Supporting conservation and community education
Supporters of the Adopt-a-Polyp program symbolically adopt a coral polyp, colony, reef or ecosystem and contribute to the planned restoration of the Edge of the Reef exhibit, as well as support the aquarium¡¯s ongoing coral propagation and education programs. One of the Waikīkī ´¡±ç³Ü²¹°ù¾±³Ü³¾¡¯²õ most beloved exhibits, the Edge of the Reef advances coral conservation, research and educational programs.
Since opening in 1986, the ´¡±ç³Ü²¹°ù¾±³Ü³¾¡¯²õ Edge of the Reef exhibit has given visitors an up-close look at ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ native reef-building corals. As ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ first outdoor exhibit featuring species such as rice, mound and cauliflower corals, it has helped generations of residents and visitors better understand the important role healthy reefs play in our islands.
“Through the dedicated work of the ´¡±ç³Ü²¹°ù¾±³Ü³¾¡¯²õ Coral Team, living corals are being propagated and cared for as the exhibit is reimagined,” Green stated. “The Adopt-a-Polyp Campaign provides individuals, families and organizations with a unique opportunity to become part of this effort.”
“We¡¯re committed to helping conserve and protect all of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ marine life, but corals play an especially important role for other animals and humans alike—when we protect corals, they help protect us,” Lemus said. “Working together with the community through this symbolic adoption program will not only support the new Edge of the Reef exhibit, it will help us maintain our coral conservation efforts for many years to come.”