Governor Green Orders Flags Lowered Statewide to Honor Former Governor George R. Ariyoshi
Summary
Hawaii Governor Josh Green ordered U.S. and state flags lowered to half-staff at the Hawaii State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and all Hawaii National Guard facilities effective immediately. The lowering remains in effect through sunset on the day of the memorial service for former Governor George R. Ariyoshi, who died at age 100 on April 19, 2026. Ariyoshi served as Hawaii's third and longest-serving governor from 1974 to 1986 and was the first Asian-American elected governor of any U.S. state.
“Governor Green has ordered that the flags of the United States of America and the state of Hawaiʻi be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies and all Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities.”
What changed
Governor Green issued a flag-lowering order to honor former Governor George R. Ariyoshi upon his death at age 100. The order applies to U.S. and state flags at the Hawaii State Capitol, all state offices and agencies, and Hawaii National Guard facilities. Flags are to remain at half-staff through sunset on the day of the memorial service.
This is a ceremonial honorific action with no compliance or regulatory obligations. No deadlines, penalties, or reporting requirements are associated with this notice. State agencies and National Guard facilities should ensure proper flag display in accordance with the order upon any scheduled memorial service date.
Archived snapshot
Apr 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home » Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases » Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags to Honor Former Gov. Ariyoshi
Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags to Honor Former Gov. Ariyoshi
Posted on Apr 20, 2026 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
GOVERNOR GREEN ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED STATEWIDE IN HONOR OF FORMER GOVERNOR GEORGE R. ARIYOSHI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2026
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green today announced the lowering of flags to honor the life and legacy of former Governor George R. Ariyoshi, Hawaiʻi’s third and longest-serving governor in state history. He led the state from 1974 to 1986. Ariyoshi died peacefully Sunday night, surrounded by his family — he was 100.
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.
“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.”
Flag Order
In honor of former Gov. George R. Ariyoshi and in recognition of his extraordinary service to the state of Hawaiʻi, Governor Green has ordered that the flags of the United States of America and the state of Hawaiʻi be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, all state offices and agencies and all Hawaiʻi National Guard facilities.
Flags shall be lowered effective immediately and remain at half-staff through sunset on the day of his memorial service, which will be announced.
This order reflects the gratitude of the people of Hawaiʻi for Governor Ariyoshi’s historic leadership, lifelong commitment to public service and lasting contributions to the state.
Images, courtesy the Office of the Governor, may be found here.
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