Hawaii paid its final respects to George Ariyoshi, the longest-serving governor in state history, at a public celebration of life at Kawaiahao Church — a moment of shared loss and gratitude for the islands.

• Ariyoshi died on April 19 at age 100 and served as governor for 14 years across three terms, from 1973 to 1986.
• No one can match his tenure again because term limits now cap how long a governor can serve.
• Speakers credited him with steering Hawaii toward a state that respects the environment, Native Hawaiians, nature, and the aloha spirit.
• He was also remembered for building strong ties between Hawaii and the Asian community.

Outlook: Ariyoshi will be laid to rest in private ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.