That's former Hawaii Gov. Ariyoshi talking about compromise and plans in PBS Hawaii's TV studio for Long Story Short, with two episodes to air in September 2012.
Ariyoshi also spoke about the importance of planning at an East West Center event in Waikiki last week recognizing him for Asia Pacific Community Building. The award was presented by East West Center President Charles Morrison and Board of Governors Chair Rick Tsujimura. Ariyoshi strategists Jeff Watanabe and Walter Dods, creator of the "Quiet and Effective" campaign slogan, spoke in his honor.
Among the guests were two other former Hawaii Governors, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano, and the current Governor, Neil Abercrombie.
I served as master of ceremonies and from the stage could see former cabinet ministers and volunteers, some of whom I hadn't seen for 26 years. The longest-serving Governor in Hawaii history left office in 1986. He mostly keeps a low-profile in Hawaii, but has never stopped working, consulting and traveling extensively to promote East West business and connecting people.
The love between him and his four grandchildren was evident at the dinner. In fact, the two youngest--Marisa and Ryo--sat with him, on the same chair.
He invited his wife Jean to join him at the podium while giving his brief acceptance and thank-you speech. Why was it short? He said he didn't want to make the evening run late, in consideration of the attendees.
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