HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on April 20 announced the lowering of flags to honor the life and legacy of former Gov. George Ryoichi Ariyoshi, Hawaii’s third and longest-serving governor in state history. He led the state from 1974 to 1986.
Ariyoshi died peacefully on April 19, surrounded by his family. He was 100 and was the nation’s oldest living former governor.
Born March 12, 1926, in Honolulu to Japanese immigrant parents, Ariyoshi was a historic figure in Hawaii and national politics, becoming the first Asian American elected governor of any U.S. state. His leadership helped guide Hawaii through its early post-state-hood decades, marked by economic transition, growth and the strengthening of state institutions.
A graduate of McKinley High School, Ariyoshi served in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Service during World War II as a Japanese-English interpreter. He went on to earn degrees from Michigan State University and University of Michigan Law School, then dedicated his life to public service.
Ariyoshi, a Democrat, served in the Territorial Legislature and the Hawaii State Senate and as lieutenant governor before assuming the governorship when Gov. John Burns fell ill, then winning election in his own right in 1974. He was re-elected in 1978 and 1982. Hawaii governors are now limited to two terms.
Known for his steady, disciplined leadership and deep respect for public service, he remained active in civic and professional life long after leaving office.
“Gov. Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaii with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served,” Green said. “He led our state during a pivotal moment with quiet strength and integrity, and his legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.”
Ariyoshi’s wife Jean, daughter Lynn, and sons Ryozo and Donn were with him when he passed away. His wife said in a statement, “We would like to thank all our friends, family and supporters for all your support and friendship all these years …
“Governor sacrificed and worked hard for most of his life to build a better future for the state of Hawaii and its people. Gov. Airyoshi loves you all very much!”
The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Feb. 5.
Green, who had proclaimed March 12 as George Ariyoshi Day in honor of the former governor’s 100th birthday, has ordered that the flags of the U.S. and the Hawaii be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and all Hawaii National Guard facilities.
Flags shall be lowered effective immediately and remain at half-staff through sunset on the day of the memorial service, which will be announced.
State leaders and organizations have eulogized Ariyoshi:
Sen. Mazie Hirono: “I join people across Hawaii in mourning the loss of our longest-serving governor, George Ariyoshi. The son of Japanese immigrants and the first Asian American governor in our nation’s history, Gov. Ariyoshi helped Hawaii look to the future when he brought communities across our state together to develop the landmark Hawaii State Plan.
“His commitment to public service and public discourse endured long after he left the governorship, and I’m grateful to have known him. I’m sending my aloha to his wife Jean, his family, and all who loved him.”
Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann: “Hawaii has truly lost one of the greatest leaders in its history. I was blessed to have been mentored by him fresh out of college because he dedicated himself to creating a ‘preferable future’ for future generations, which I have tried to emulate.”
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Kaialiʻi Kahele: “Gov. Ariyoshi led with humility, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi, breaking barriers and setting a standard of principled leadership that continues to inspire. On behalf of OHA and the lāhui, we honor the legacy of Gov. Ariyoshi and give thanks for his enduring contributions to our state. May his memory be a blessing, and may his example continue to guide future generations of those who serve the state of Hawaiʻi.”