HONOLULU – Former Gov. George R. Ariyoshi, the third governor of the state of Hawaii, will share his views on Hawaii's statehood as part of the 50 Voices of Statehood series in commemoration of Hawaii's 50 years of statehood.

In 1974 Ariyoshi became the first American of Asian descent to be elected governor of a state. He served as the state's chief executive from 1974 to 1986.

Ariyoshi's views on statehood will run as a two-part 50 Voices of Statehood series, with the first segment airing this week through Jan. 11, and the second segment running Jan. 12-18.

The 50 Voices of Statehood vignettes, which are being recorded by the award-winning Searider Productions of Waianae High School, feature personal perspectives on statehood and Hawaii's history from 50 residents representing the state's diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, political, social and economic backgrounds.

Each week over the next year, a different vignette will air on six television stations and 60 radio stations statewide. An interactive online forum (www.seariderproductions.com/50voices) will allow teachers and students to incorporate the vignettes into their classroom discussions.