KAONI - TURNER, Chris

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, December 18, 2010 Chris Kaoni-Turner, 55, of Prescott, Ariz., passed away on Dec. 11, 2010. She was born and raised in Laguna Beach, Calif., where she graduated from Laguna Beach High School. During those years, her love of the ocean, surfing, swimming, sailing and backpacking grew. When Chris turned 18, she flew off to Hawaii, surfboard and backpack in tow. She attended the University of Hawaii (Maui campus) and eventually became the Legislative Aide to Maui County councilman Wayne Nishiki. Together they traveled throughout Maui, Molokai and Lanai and helped save many special areas. She founded and co-founded "People to Save Makena" and "Friends of Maui." She met her first husband, Sam Kaoni, in Lahaina, where they resided for 10 years. Chris is survived by her loving husband and soul mate of 17 years, Stan Turner; and her beloved children, Justin Kaipo Kaoni, Kaikea Hansen Kaoni, Sierra Kaihokulani Kaoni of Prescott and Christopher Gurnsey of Phoenix. She was also grandmother to Chaz Kainoa Kaoni, Elena Leilani Kaoni, Kiana Michelle Lupin, Shane Ericson and Sarah Gurnsey. She is also survived by her sister Jennifer Blake and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in passing by her beloved mother and father, Joyce and John Hurst, and sister Jan Hurst. A proud liberal and "tree-hugger," Chris was active in many causes. She held numerous local and statewide positions with the Democratic Party, culminating with her delegation to the 2000 Democratic National Convention. She was a member of Defenders of Wildlife, the Ocean Conservancy, Amnesty International, World Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Sierra Club and active in protesting the war in Iraq. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to these groups. Memorial services will be private and her ashes scattered at sea. Aloha, Chris. We will all miss your gentle ways and love of laughter. Sail on! Information provided by survivors.