Ariyoshi to resign at Prince Resorts

Advertiser Staff

Former Gov. George R. Ariyoshi will resign as president of Prince Resorts Hawaii Inc. and turn over control of the company to vice president Donn J. Takahashi by the end of the month.

Ariyoshi, 78, who has run Prince Resorts Hawaii for 15 years, serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards and said he plans to continue his other business interests.

Since 1997, Takahashi has been vice president and regional director of Prince Resorts Hawaii, which owns the Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort; Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club; Mauna Kea Beach Hotel; and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

Prince Resorts Hawaii is an affiliate of Seibu Railway of Japan.

"Passing the torch to Donn Takahashi is a natural, planned evolution," Ariyoshi said. "Donn has been my righthand man for the past seven years. He knows the organization from top to bottom and is highly regarded by Seibu in Japan."

Takahashi said, "I am personally saddened to learn of Gov. Ariyoshi's resignation. He has been a mentor and a source of inspiration to me. He's provided Prince Resorts Hawaii with the tools, the leadership and the direction to succeed. We have great momentum, and I am proud to carry forward his vision and legacy."

Ariyoshi was governor from 1974 to 1986. After joining Prince Resorts Hawaii, Ariyoshi opened the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and completed a multimillion- dollar renovation of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.