They're the building blocks of Hawaii's ocean bottom. And now Hawaii's coral reefs are at the forefront of a yearlong celebration.

Gov. Lingle proclaimed Friday the launch of the "International Year of the Reef" in Hawaii.

The campaign will include events, activities, projects and workshops across the state.

The purpose is to spread awareness of caring for Hawaii's coral reefs.

"Everything from recognizing that anything you put on the land is eventually going to end up in the ocean. And trying to make sure you don't throw anything down the storm drain, using biodegradable chemicals rather than other types of household products," said Athline Clark, of DLNR Aquatic.

Hawaii's coral reefs support more than 7,000 species of aquatic life, one-fourth of which are found nowhere else in the world.

---