Former Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi, first U.S. governor of Asian American descent, dies at 100
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Former Hawaii Governor George R. Ariyoshi, the nation's first Asian American governor, has died at age 100, peacefully surrounded by family.
- Ariyoshi served as Hawaii's governor from 1973 to 1986, becoming a three-term leader during a period of significant growth and political change in the state.
- Born in 1926 to Japanese immigrant parents, Ariyoshi overcame early challenges, including a speech impediment, and pursued higher education on the U.S. mainland before embarking on a political career.
- His tenure was notable for managing Hawaii's development as a tourist destination and advocating for responsible growth amid increasing population pressures.
- Ariyoshi is remembered as a trailblazer and dedicated public servant, survived by his wife Jean and their three children.
