Denice V.U. Hanson, 70, passed away peacefully at her home in Waipahu with family by her side on January 12, 2021. She is survived by her husband, James A., son, Anthony “Kealii” Cabrera, daughter, Candice I. (Owen) Fujiwara. She is also survived by sister, Raylene Puahi, brother, Guy “Tiga” Koanui, 6 grandchildren, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving parents; Samuel K. and Florence I. Koanui and beloved sister, Troy “Sweetie” Camacho.
Born in Honolulu on March 31, 1950, she grew up in Kalihi Kai and is a proud graduate of Farrington High School. Denice spent her youth playing volleyball with her father. After the birth of her children, Denice began her competitive canoe paddling career where she joined numerous clubs before being one of the co-founders of Lauho’e Canoe Club.
Denice decided to fulfill her passion in the sport of volleyball where she began her coaching career as the varsity girls head coach at her alma mater, Farrington High School, as a player for numerous adult volleyball teams and lastly a volleyball referee official. Denice officiated volleyball on every level, from league play, USAV Club, NFHS high school, collegiate volleyball that included Division I with WAC and Big West Conferences, Division II West Coast Region and was part of the officiating crew when FIVB Women World Grand Prix came to Honolulu. Three of Denice’s biggest accomplishments was her earning both her USAV Junior National and National Officials Certifications. Being asked to travel out of state to officiate WAC Conference volleyball matches in California and her passion each year to teach the rules of the game of volleyball and volleyball scorekeeping especially to both the high school and USA Jr volleyball programs.
Denice’s pride and joy has always been her family; her husband Jim who has always been by her side, her children and especially her grandchildren who has always been the light in her eyes.
She has always enjoyed life to the fullest and really gave her entire heart in everything she did. Denice had a compassionate heart and unconditional love for all those that came into her life. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
A drive-by memorial visitation service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 9:30am – 12:00pm at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel in Kaneohe. In lieu of flowers, leis will be welcomed and will be draped near Denice’s urn.
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