Hawaiʻi said goodbye to two remarkable public servants whose lives of service helped shape our state: former Congresswoman Pat Saiki and former Governor George Ariyoshi.
We recently lost Pat Saiki, a trailblazer who opened doors for generations who followed. Her public service began in education, where she was a teacher and helped organize Hawaiʻi’s first teachers’ union. She went on to serve in both the Hawaiʻi State House and State Senate before making history in 1986 as the first Republican from Hawaiʻi elected to Congress since statehood.
Throughout her career, Congresswoman Saiki championed issues affecting families, education and our communities. She was closely connected to Kapiʻolani Community College and the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, and she played an important role in congressional efforts that ultimately led to a federal apology and compensation for Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II.
Her accomplishments were many, but perhaps the most meaningful title she held was Mom. Her son Stuart’s nickname for her, “Supermom,” offers a glimpse of the woman behind the public servant: strong, caring and deeply devoted to her family.
My heartfelt condolences go to the Saiki ʻohana, her friends, colleagues and everyone whose life she touched. Hawaiʻi is better because Pat Saiki chose a life of service.
Rep. Pat Saiki. Photo courtesy: Hawaii Congressional Papers Collection, UH Manoa Hamilton Library
We also remember former Governor George Ariyoshi, a Democrat who served as Hawaiʻi’s third governor and, from 1974 to 1986, became the state’s longest-serving governor. He made history as the first Asian American elected governor of any state in the nation.
I recently had the honor of attending the state memorial service for Governor Ariyoshi. Beyond the historic firsts and years in office, his legacy is rooted in the leadership, experience and commitment he brought to Hawaiʻi during an important period of change and growth.
My heartfelt condolences go to the Ariyoshi ʻohana and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The lives of Pat Saiki and George Ariyoshi remind us that public service is not simply about holding office. It is about showing up, listening to people, tackling difficult problems and working to leave things better than you found them.
“The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.” — William James
Pat Saiki and Governor Ariyoshi spent their lives serving Hawaiʻi. Their work, their example and the difference they made will continue long after their years in office.
Mahalo for your lifetime of service. May you both rest in aloha.
Gov. George Ariyoshi in 1977. Photo courtesy: Hawaii State Archives/Honolulu Star-Advertiser Collection
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