LAHAINA - Services and tributes for William Kalanikai Gonzales, who died last week after being struck by a recreational ski boat, will be held Saturday and Sunday.
At 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Hanakaoo Beach Park, also known as Canoe Beach, in Lahaina, Maui Interscholastic League regatta crews from Maui, Lanai and Molokai high schools will paddle out to drop flowers in tribute to Gonzales, a longtime volunteer canoe racing official.
The high school regatta was originally scheduled in Kihei, but it was moved to Lahaina to honor Gonzales, who was born and raised in the area.
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Gonzales
Visitation will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului, with a service at 4:30 p.m. A private burial with family members will be held at a later date.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, there will be a flower drop by canoe clubs in the waters at Hanakaoo Beach Park followed by lunch at the park. Only loose flowers are requested.
Gonzales died Thursday after he was hit by a boat while he was in waters off of Hanakoo Beach Park, preparing lanes for high school paddling crews.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Gonzales; two daughters, Wendy Gerry and Theresa Gerry; a son, Hoku Gonzales; and a sister, Gloria Gonzales.
