Georgia Ariyoshi

George Ariyoshi, Hawaii’s longest-serving governor and the first Asian-American to serve as governor of any U.S. state, died Sunday night at the age of 100, his family announced today.

“He was surrounded by his wife Jean, daughter Lynn, sons Ryozo and Donn,” said a statement signed by Jean Ariyoshi. “We would like to thank all our friends, family and supporters for all your support and friendship all these years. Governor loves you all.

“Governor sacrificed and worked hard for most of his life to build a better future for the State of Hawaii and its people. Governor Ariyoshi loves you all very much!”

Gov. Josh Green ordered that the U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff at the Hawaii State Capitol, all state offices and agencies and all Hawaii National Guard facilities, effective immediately and until sunset on the day of his memorial service, which has yet to be announced.

“Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaii with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served,” Green said in a written statement. “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.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi called Ariyoshi a mentor and friend who “led with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people he served.”

“Governor Ariyoshi was a towering figure in Hawaii’s history and a trailblazer whose legacy will endure for generations,” Blangiardi said in a statement. “As the first Japanese American governor in the United States and the longest-serving governor in our state’s history, he led with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people he served.”

“His steady leadership helped guide Hawai‘i through challenging times, always with a focus on fiscal responsibility, fairness, and opportunity for all.,” the mayor said. “He carried himself with quiet strength and dignity, earning the respect of colleagues and constituents alike.”

George Ryoichi Ariyoshi, who celebrated his 100th birthday on March 12. was born and raised in Honolulu. After graduating from McKinley High School in 1944, he joined the Army and served as an interpreter with the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service in Japan.

Following his service in Japan, Ariyoshi attended the University of Hawaii and transferred to Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1952 and returned to Hawaii.

Ariyoshi entered politics in 1954 when he was elected to the Hawaii Territorial House of Representatives. He moved up to the Territorial Senate in 1958 and continued to serve in the Senate until 1970 when he was chosen to run as Gov. John Burns’ preferred candidate for lieutenant governor.

Burns and Ariyoshi won the election. Ariyoshi became acting governor in October 1973 after Burns became to ill to serve.

Ariyoshi was elected to his first of three full terms as governor in 1974, winning re-election in 1978 and 1982.

As a candidate, Ariyoshi presented himself as working “quietly and effectively” to make Hawaii better for “our children’s children.” As governor he followed policies of fiscal conservatism rather than tax and spend, and successfully guided Hawaii through its first post-statehood recession.

A change made in the state constitution prevented Ariyoshi from running for re-election in 1986, but he remained active in the community after leaving electoral politics. He served as president of the Hawaii Bar Association, on the boards of several Hawaii businesses, and served five terms as chairman of the board of the East-West Center.

Looking beyond the islands and local party politics, he worked quietly and effectively to expand the cultural and economic ties between Japan and Hawaii.

In 2011, Ariyoshi received the Nisei Soldiers of World War II Congressional Gold Medal for his military service. The Japanese government awarded him the Grand Cordon of the Sacred Treasure, and the Emperor’s Silver Cup.

The Governor Ariyoshi Foundation was founded in 2015 as long-term platform for his advocacy of fiscal responsibility, clean tech, ocean-related technology, sustainably, international relationships, and planning a “preferred future” for Hawaii.

Ariyoshi is survived by his wife, Jean Miya Hayashi Ariyoshi, daughter, Lynn, and sons, Ryozo and Donn.