Politics: A Decade of Transition
Examines the internal dynamics of Hawai‘i’s political landscape, from factional disputes to the rise of long-term planning initiatives.
Shaping Hawai‘i’s Future: Governor Burns’ Vision for the 1970s
As the 1970s dawned, Hawai‘i was at a crossroads. Governor John A. Burns, a central figure in the state’s post-statehood transformation, stood ready to lead for a third term. In his 1970 State of the State address, he posed a challenge: “What then of tomorrow? Where do we go in the Seventies?”
National events added to the uncertainty of Hawai‘i’s political direction. The Democratic Party, which had swept to power in the 1954 territorial election and consolidated its position by the 1960s, was now experiencing internal dissension. President John F. Kennedy, who had opened his campaign in Honolulu, was assassinated in the streets of Dallas in 1963. Only a few months earlier, Kennedy had called for racial equality in the county’s cities. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a figure who had addressed both the Hawai‘i State Legislature and the University of Hawai‘i, was assassinated in Atlanta in 1968. These events, along with the departure of Burns’ steadfast ally Lyndon Johnson in 1969, contributed to a growing sense of unease within the Democratic ranks.
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John A. Burns
- 1909–1975
- Governor of Hawai‘i (1962–1974)
John A. Burns, a pivotal figure in Hawai‘i’s transition to statehood, envisioned a “New Hawai‘i” that balanced progress with cultural preservation. A former police officer and U.S. Delegate to Congress, Burns championed policies that prioritized long-term planning, economic development, and inclusivity. His establishment of the Commission on the Year 2000 exemplified his forward-thinking approach.
View a biography of John A. Burns from the National Governor’s Association.
Vision and Tension: Governor Burns and the Push for Hawai‘i’s Future
Despite these challenges, Burns remained confident that Hawai‘i could forge a path to prosperity. As he prepared for his third term in 1970, Burns articulated his vision of a New Hawai‘i, built on “the need to preserve our special cultural and historical qualities and on our efforts to build up and strengthen our basic social, political, economic and educational institutions through which the broadest possible set of opportunities can be made more radically accessible to our people.” The Governor’s vision struck an uneasy balance between his desire to preserve Hawai‘i’s unique history and make it modern.
To guide the state’s trajectory, Burns established the Commission on the Year 2000, inspired by futurist Alvin Toffler. The commission tackled pressing issues such as urban sprawl, education reform, and Hawai‘i’s role on the global stage. He framed these initiatives as opportunities to shape Hawai‘i’s future while maintaining its unique identity. However, his administration faced growing tensions within the Democratic Party, as critics questioned the sustainability of his pro-growth policies.
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Commission on the Year 2000
Established by Governor John A. Burns in 1970, the Commission on the Year 2000 was a visionary initiative aimed at addressing Hawai‘i’s long-term challenges and opportunities. The commission focused on critical issues such as urban sprawl, education reform, and Hawai‘i’s role in an increasingly interconnected world. Through detailed reports and strategic planning, the commission provided a blueprint for a sustainable and prosperous future, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
View the Technical Reports issued for the Commission on the Year 2000.
Gill’s Call for Sustainability
Lieutenant Governor Tom Gill emerged as a leading voice of opposition. A staunch advocate for environmental and cultural preservation, Gill criticized the state’s prioritization of development over sustainability. He warned that Hawai‘i risked becoming “a sordid suburb of Los Angeles,” losing the natural beauty and cultural identity that made it unique. Gill’s vision was one of moderation, emphasizing sustainable development, green spaces, and a diversified economy. His skepticism found support among those who feared the loss of Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in the face of rapid economic expansion. Gill was not alone in his warnings.
There was increasing frustration from residents, too. For some, the politics of the seventies had become a struggle between uncontrolled economic growth and unrestrained environmental protectionism.
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Tom Gill’s Political Journey
- 1922–2009
- Lieutenant Governor (1966–1970), Environmental Advocate
Tom Gill, a prominent figure in Hawai‘i’s Democratic Party and former U.S. Congressman, shared reflections on his political journey in an exclusive interview with the Hawaii Observer. From his early admiration for Franklin D. Roosevelt during the New Deal era to his legal work with Hawai‘i’s labor unions and eventual rise to Lieutenant Governor, Gill’s story intertwined with the state’s political transformation.
Gill candidly describes his struggles against entrenched political factions, his views on government’s role in fostering progress, and his critiques of overdevelopment and the erosion of public trust. He also reflects on his campaigns for higher office, including his pivotal 1970 gubernatorial race against John Burns, sharing insights into the challenges of political communication and the evolving priorities of Hawai‘i’s electorate.
This in-depth conversation captured Gill’s vision for Hawai‘i’s future and his enduring commitment to meaningful political change. Read the full interview in the August 20, 1974 issue of the Hawaii Observer.
The 1970 Election: A Clash of Visions
These contrasting visions came to a head during the 1970 gubernatorial primary. Governor Burns, wielding significant control over the Hawai‘i Democratic Party, effectively countered Gill’s challenge through a combination of innovative campaign strategies and a well-organized grassroots network. Honolulu Star-Bulletin political reporter Tom Coffman, known for his in-depth coverage of the election, detailed how the “Burns Machine” used mainland campaign techniques and extensive grassroots efforts to neutralize the threat posed by the iconoclastic yet charismatic Gill.
The pro-Burns documentary To Catch a Wave further illustrated the strategic sophistication of the Burns campaign. Combined with a well-greased, organized network of grassroots supporters cultivated by Bob Oshiro, the campaign secured Burn’s re-election in the primary by a vote of 53.2 to 44.7 points.
Though defeated, Gill’s campaign left a lasting mark on Hawai‘i’s political discourse. His warnings about unchecked growth and environmental degradation resonated with many, ensuring that these issues remained central to public debate throughout the decade.
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Catch a Wave
This documentary highlighted Burns’ vision for Hawai‘i’s future and played a key role in his campaign strategy.
View a short clip of Catch a Wave or view the full film [UH Manoa Access required].
Urban Challenges and Fasi’s Leadership
While Burns focused on statewide development, Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi grappled with the challenges of urban governance, which included a housing shortage of 30,000 units, traffic congestion, a lack of rapid transit, and environmental pollution from waste treatment facilities. As Fasi warned in February 1970, “Never before have so many decisions and actions been needed so quickly on so many matters at the local government level.” Fasi called for bold local government action to address these crises, emphasizing the limits of the state’s pro-growth strategies.
The politics of the seventies became increasingly defined by debates over economic development and environmental conservation. Consequently, the dominant narrative of development and prosperity that propelled Burns and his coalition to political success in the 1960s in Hawai‘i became harder to maintain. As the decade progressed, the struggle between Burns’ laissez-faire optimism and Gill’s progressive ideals became the central political battle for control of the state.
The broader political landscape also shifted as investigative reports, such as the Star-Bulletin’s 1973 series “High-Priced Politics,” exposed the connections between campaign financing, private development, and political power. In response to mounting public outcry, Governor Burns signed legislation creating the Campaign Spending Commission, setting new standards for transparency and accountability in Hawai‘i’s political system.
The political conflicts and reforms of the 1970s reflected a state grappling with its identity. As Hawai‘i transitioned into a modern economy and society, leaders and citizens wrestled with defining what progress should look like and how to achieve it without losing the essence of what made the islands unique.
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Frank Fasi
- 1920–2010
- Mayor of Honolulu (1969–1981, 1985–1994)
Frank Fasi addressed urban challenges such as housing shortages and traffic congestion, advocating for bold local government actions.
Hear more from Mayor Fasi in this 1998 interview.
The Election of 1974: Ariyoshi, Fasi, and Gill
The year 1973 began on a high note for Hawai‘i with the international broadcast of Elvis Presley’s Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert, showcasing the islands as a premier tourist destination. However, this celebratory mood contrasted with the political uncertainty that soon followed. Governor John A. Burns, in poor health, gradually withdrew from public life. By October 1973, Lieutenant Governor George Ariyoshi assumed the role of Acting Governor, effectively beginning a new chapter in Hawai‘i’s political history.
The 1974 gubernatorial election marked the end of an era. Burns’ retirement left three major contenders vying for leadership: Ariyoshi, former Lieutenant Governor Tom Gill, and Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi. Each candidate embodied a distinct political vision. Ariyoshi, with his calm and pragmatic style, sought to continue Burns’ legacy. Gill championed environmental protection and sustainable growth, gaining traction with voters increasingly concerned about unchecked development. Fasi, a populist with a focus on urban renewal, appealed to those frustrated with the status quo.
The Democratic primary exposed deep divisions within the party. Ariyoshi narrowly secured victory with 36% of the vote, followed by Fasi at 31% and Gill at 30%. These close results reflected a fragmented political landscape, with ideological rifts that would shape Hawai‘i’s politics for years.
In the general election, Ariyoshi emerged victorious, becoming Hawai‘i’s first governor of Japanese descent. He prioritized long-term planning to address the state’s complex challenges, including rapid economic growth and environmental preservation. His administration’s initiatives during this period laid the groundwork for transformative changes, including the creation of new governmental structures focused on strategic planning.
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The Campaign Spending Commission
The Campaign Spending Commission arose from growing concerns over the influence of private developers in state politics. It introduced transparency standards for campaign finance, a direct response to investigative reports like the Star-Bulletin’s “High-Priced Politics” series.
The Supreme Court’s Buckley v. Valeo decision forced Hawai‘i to revise its campaign spending laws, sparking debates over money’s role in elections and the challenges of balancing fairness, transparency, and free expression. Learn more about this pivotal moment in Hawai‘i’s electoral history in the March 16, 1976 issue of The Hawai‘i Observer: Changes in the Campaign Law.
Explore the Hawai‘i Campaign Spending Commission website today and learn more about who donates to political candidates in Hawai‘i.
Pivot to Planning
By 1975, Governor Ariyoshi recognized the need for a cohesive and forward-thinking approach to governance. Rapid development and evolving political priorities had highlighted inefficiencies in the existing administrative framework. In response, Ariyoshi established the Commission on the Organization of Government (COG) in May 1975. The COG was tasked with streamlining government operations and redefining the roles of state and county agencies.
Shortly afterward, Ariyoshi created the State Plan Policy Council to coordinate planning efforts across state and county levels. This council focused on aligning agency actions with policies set by the legislature, ensuring a unified approach to governance. These initiatives marked a shift from reactive governance to proactive planning.
By February 1977, the COG delivered comprehensive recommendations to the legislature, proposing significant administrative reforms. These included consolidating departments, creating new entities like a Council on Revenues, and transferring certain responsibilities to the counties. Although the COG formally disbanded after completing its mandate, its work influenced subsequent reforms, particularly those discussed at the 1978 Constitutional Convention.
Meanwhile, the State Plan Policy Council worked to develop a comprehensive State Plan addressing long-term policy issues. These efforts culminated in the passage of the Hawai‘i State Planning Act in May 1978, which institutionalized planning as a core function of government. The act established a framework for managing growth while balancing economic, social, and environmental priorities, reflecting Ariyoshi’s commitment to deliberate and structured governance.
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Commission on the Organization of Government
The commission evaluated the roles of state and county agencies, proposing reforms to enhance efficiency and coordination in governance. Among its key recommendations were consolidating departments, reducing bureaucracy, and creating new entities such as the Council on Revenues.
Explore archival documents surrounding the dynamics of the Commisison on the Organization of Government and the resulting final report with recommendations.
Political Reform at the Constitutional Convention
Amid calls for reform, Hawai‘i voters authorized a new Constitutional Convention in 1976. Convened in Honolulu, this assembly aimed to address pressing issues and modernize the state’s governance. The convention’s delegates, many of them young and politically dynamic, sought to redefine Hawai‘i’s constitutional framework for a rapidly changing society.
The 1978 convention was transformative. Delegates revised the state’s preamble to emphasize self-determination, cultural preservation, and quality of life. Reforms included safeguarding agricultural lands, promoting urban land banking, and enshrining environmental protections in the Constitution. Delegates also established Hawaiian and English as the state’s official languages, affirming the importance of Native Hawaiian culture.
Significant structural changes emerged, including the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to advocate for Native Hawaiian rights and a Judicial Selection Commission to ensure fair legal processes. The establishment of a Water Commission addressed long-standing resource management issues, while the Council on Revenues and the Tax Review Commission provided fiscal oversight.
The 1978 Constitutional Convention reflected a forward-looking vision, addressing challenges of land use, environmental protection, and Native Hawaiian advocacy. Despite political tensions, its legacy was a more inclusive and sustainable framework for Hawai‘i, better equipped to balance growth with the preservation of its unique cultural and environmental identity.
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George R. Ariyoshi
- 1926–Present
- Governor of Hawai‘i (1974–1986)
Arrested in Thought: Soon after his election to a full-term as Governor, George Ariyoshi served as the third governor of Hawai‘i and was the first American of Asian descent to be elected governor of a U.S. state. His administration emphasized long-term planning and sustainable development, leading to the establishment of the Hawai‘i State Planning Act in 1978.
Explore Acting Governor George Ariyoshi’s reflections on his early motivations, legislative career, and vision for Hawai‘i’s future in this 1974 issue of the Hawai‘i Observer: Ariyoshi: A Political Self-Portrait. Published during his campaign for governor, this feature provided a compelling look at a pivotal moment in Hawai‘i’s political history.
Watch Governor Ariyoshi’s 1980 State of the State address, where he outlined plans for energy, agriculture, education, and a tax rebate initiative. The address also discusses challenges like the Chevron gasoline employee strike and the controversy surrounding his order to restrict gasoline sales to a minimum of eight dollars.
