Teacher's quest creates wave of support

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser North Shore Bureau

KAHUKU — One teacher's determination to give students the best education she can has moved islanders to pledge their support.

Kahuku High School biology teacher Iris Gonzales is deeply committed to her students' learning. To raise money for a biotechnology course she wants to teach, she's on a demanding trek around O'ahu. Kyle Sackowski • The Honolulu Advertiser

University professors, biotechnology companies and longtime friends responded to donation requests.

"The phone has been ringing off the hook," Gonzales said before the event. "I couldn't even believe it. There were these professors from the UH, and biotech companies said 'give us a list.' "

She left on her paddleboard at sunrise yesterday. Students, community members and friends said a short prayer with her at Turtle Bay before she took off wearing red and white, the school's colors.

Her arrival at Poka'i Bay was delayed by stormy weather, rough conditions and strong currents, said Lauri Cauencia, who monitored Gonzales from shore as an escort boat followed her. From Poka'i Bay she was to cycle to Waikiki, Makapu'u and He'eia Pier in Kane'ohe. From there she was to run to Kahuku High School.

People who are donating to Gonzales' campaign say they admire her commitment.

Athula Wikramanayake, a University of Hawai'i assistant professor of zoology, said he will help Gonzales obtain equipment and arrange field trips to UH labs undertaking biotechnology research.

Hawai'i Island Tech has promised a $600 pH meter, and Otake Instruments has pledged supplies. Jean Otake, owner of Otake Instruments, said she was impressed with the effort put forth by Gonzales and her students.

Longtime friend Joe Lazar, owner of Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill, said he wants to encourage her and people like her.

"You have somebody who's putting out that much effort, you want to support them any way you can," Lazar said.