George Ariyoshi honored at Hawaii State Capitol

Former Hawaiʻi Governor George Ariyoshi was honored during a ceremony at the State Capitol Rotunda in Honolulu. Ariyoshi, who passed away on April 19 at the age of 100, was the state’s longest-serving governor and the first Asian-American governor in the United States.

The ceremony included a procession featuring state sheriff deputies, a Honolulu Police Department color guard, and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets. Dignitaries in attendance included current Governor Josh Green, former Governor Neil Abercrombie, and former Governor Linda Lingle. Governor Green described Ariyoshi as ‘a titan of Hawaii’ and ‘the father of Hawaii.’

Ariyoshi, a World War II veteran and McKinley High School alumnus, played a significant role in the state's history, including helping to create the East-West Center. His casket, draped in the U.S. flag, was laid in state at the Capitol Rotunda to allow mourners to pay their respects.