(BIVN) – Former Hawaiʻi Governor George R. Ariyoshi, the third and longest-serving governor in state history, died Sunday night at age 100.

Governor Josh Green on Monday announced flags in across Hawaiʻi would be lowered in honor of the life and legacy of Ariyoshi, who reportedly died peacefully surrounded by his family.

“Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaiʻi with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served,” Governor 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.”

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D, Hawaiʻi) also issued a statement. “I join people across Hawaii in mourning the loss of our longest-serving Governor, George Ariyoshi,” Senator Hirono said. “The son of Japanese immigrants and the first Asian American governor in our nation’s history, Governor 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.”

From the Office of the Governor:

Born March 12, 1926, in Honolulu to Japanese immigrant parents, Ariyoshi was a historic figure in Hawaiʻi and national politics, becoming the first Asian-American elected governor of any U.S. state. His leadership helped guide Hawaiʻi through its early post-statehood decades, marked by economic transition, growth and the strengthening of state institutions.

Ariyoshi served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service during World War II as a Japanese-English interpreter. He went on to earn degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School, then dedicated his life to public service.

Ariyoshi served in the Territorial Legislature, the Hawaiʻi State Senate and as lieutenant governor before assuming the governorship and winning election in his own right. Known for his steady, disciplined leadership and deep respect for public service, he was reelected twice and remained active in civic and professional life long after leaving office.

Under Governor Green’s order, flags of the United States of America and the state of Hawaiʻi will be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies and all Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities across the islands. The flags will remain at half-staff through sunset on the day of his memorial service, which will be announced.

UPDATE – (4:55 p.m.) – More statements by Hawaiʻi elected officials have been issued on the passing of former Governor Ariyoshi.

“Governor Ariyoshi was a true public servant and an inspiration for many in Hawai‘i,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D, Hawaiʻi). “As the longest serving governor in Hawai‘i’s history, he led with integrity, aloha, and an unwavering commitment to the people of our state. His work to elevate Hawai‘i’s vital role in the Asia-Pacific helped strengthen U.S. relations in the region and made Hawai‘i a better and safer place. I send my deepest sympathy and aloha to the Ariyoshi ‘ohana.”

“Governor Ariyoshi served with humility and a deep sense of dedication and aloha for the people of Hawaiʻi,” stated Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “His leadership shaped our state in lasting ways, and his life of service will continue to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. We will remember him not only for what he achieved, but for the integrity and care he brought to every chapter of his public life. On behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi Island, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

From the Acting Chief Justice Sabrina S. McKenna:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor George R. Ariyoshi. On behalf of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, I extend our heartfelt condolences and aloha to his wife Jean, his children Lynn, Ryozo, and Donn, and his entire ʻohana.

Governor Ariyoshi was a leader of lasting significance in Hawaiʻi’s history whose lifelong dedication to the law and public service left an enduring imprint on Hawaiʻi’s legal community. Trained as an attorney, he carried a deep respect for the rule of law throughout his career in government and beyond.

Governor Ariyoshi was the first Asian American elected governor of any state in the nation. He carried himself with humility, discipline, and a commitment to public service. His steady leadership helped guide our state through a pivotal period of growth and change, forming and strengthening institutions that continue to serve the people of Hawaiʻi today.

Personally, Governor Ariyoshi was a mentor, who taught me the importance of having a long-term vision and planning toward that vision. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will remember not only his accomplishments, but also his humble resolve and sense of responsibility to future generations. His impact will endure through the institutions he helped build and through the many lives he influenced through his leadership.

We are profoundly grateful for his service to Hawaiʻi. We will remember him with great respect, admiration, and aloha.