Hawaii celebrates the life and legacy of former Gov. George Ariyoshi
Hawaii is honoring former Governor George Ariyoshi, the state's longest-serving governor and the first Asian-American governor in the United States, as hundreds gathered at the state capitol for a memorial tribute.
- Ariyoshi led Hawaii from 1974 to 1986, guiding the state's shift from the plantation era to today's tourism-driven economy.
- Governor Josh Green and former governors Neil Abercrombie and Linda Lingle were among the dignitaries paying respects.
- His wife Jean, married to him for more than 70 years, attended and recalled meeting him at a dance when she was 20.
- Friends and colleagues remembered him as straightforward, humble, and generous, crediting his accomplishments to bringing people together.
- His guiding principle in office was simple: take care of the people of the state and always plan for the future.
Outlook: Ariyoshi's legacy of forward-looking, people-first leadership will remain a benchmark for Hawaii's current and future leaders.