Trending Now - George Ariyoshi, Hawaii's First Asian American Governor, Passes at 100

WHO:

NBC News - George R. Ariyoshi, former Governor of Hawaii, was the nation's first Asian American governor.

NBC News - Current Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, made a statement regarding Ariyoshi's passing.

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

WHAT:

NBC News - George R. Ariyoshi died at the age of 100.

NBC News - Ariyoshi served as Governor of Hawaii from 1973 to 1986.

NBC News - Ariyoshi was a three-term governor, first taking office in October 1973.

NBC News - He was elected lieutenant governor three years prior to becoming governor.

NBC News - Ariyoshi won the governorship outright in 1974 and was reelected in 1978 and 1982.

NBC News - Hawaii governors are now subject to a two-term limit.

NBC News - Ariyoshi's political career coincided with the Democratic Party's rise to power in Hawaii.

WHERE:

NBC News - Ariyoshi was born near Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii.

NBC News - He grew up in the Kalihi neighborhood of Honolulu.

WHEN:

NBC News - George R. Ariyoshi was born on March 12, 1926.

NBC News - Ariyoshi graduated from McKinley High School in 1944.

NBC News - He served as an interpreter with the U.S. Army's Military Intelligence Service at the end of World War II.

NBC News - Ariyoshi earned a bachelor's degree in 1949 and a law degree in 1952.

NBC News - Ariyoshi died on April 19, 2026.

WHY:

NBC News - Ariyoshi sought the position of lieutenant governor to break barriers for minorities in Hawaii.

HOW:

NBC News - Ariyoshi began practicing law in Hawaii after graduating from law school in 1952.

(UPDATED April 21, 2026 05:42 UTC)

George R. Ariyoshi, the first Asian American governor in U.S. history, passed away on Sunday, at the age of 100, leaving behind his wife Jean, daughter Lynn, and sons Donn and Ryozo. Ariyoshi served as Hawaii's governor from 1973 to 1986, winning three consecutive elections and playing a significant role in the rise of the Democratic Party in the state. Current Governor Josh Green has expressed condolences, honoring Ariyoshi's legacy and his efforts to break barriers for minorities in Hawaii.