The University of Hawaiʻi mourns the passing of Roy Takeyama, who had a long history of distinguished service, leadership, governance and philanthropy with the university that spanned more than three decades.
“Roy’s remarkable commitment and contribution to public higher education in Hawaiʻi has impacted the entire university,” said UH President David Lassner. “His legacy of service and philanthropy will continue to resoundingly advance opportunity across our islands forever more.”
From 1968 to 1980, Takeyama served as secretary of the UH Board of Regents, secretary of the University of Hawaiʻi and special assistant to the UH president. From 1987 to 1995, he served on the UH Board of Regents, as a member (1987–92), as vice chair (1992–94) and as chair (1994–95).
He played a key role in a number of significant achievements during his tenure, including the establishment of 40 new academic programs, substantial increases in research grants, lowering the student-faculty ratio and implementation of the Regents and Presidential Scholarships. It was also under his term as a regent that the concept of the University of Hawaiʻi acting as a system was introduced.
“Roy was a great friend of the university and an outstanding member of the board,” said former UH President Kenneth Mortimer. ”He was of immense help in teaching me how to be local.” Takeyama served on the committee that selected Mortimer to lead the university.
A legacy of philanthropy
Roy and Hilda Takeyama were recognized by the Board of Regents in 2015 for a $1 million commitment to support and advance the mission and priorities of the Academy for Creative Media System at UH West Oʻahu.
”Roy Takeyama’s remarkable vision and commitment to UH students and to emerging programs was an inspiration to all of us who had the opportunity to work with him,” said UH Foundation President Donna Vuchinich. “Through his leadership and generosity as a philanthropist he has ensured a legacy of giving back that will live on for future generations.”
“The Takeyama ʻohana have shared with our students, faculty and staff their generosity of spirit and of support to ensure that students, in Creative Media, soar beyond the stars,” said UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Maenette Benham. “We are deeply grateful to Roy Takeyama, the patriarch of the ʻohana, for his inspirational commitment.”
Takeyama was a former deputy state attorney general and founder of the law firm Takeyama and Sullivan, among the most successful land use law firms in the state.
A memorial service will be held April 21 at Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd.; visitation: 4 p.m.; service: 5 p.m. followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner at Waiʻalae Country Club. In lieu of flowers or donations, contributions may be made in Roy’s memory to the Roy and Hilda Takeyama Foundation.
For more on Takeyama’s life, please read the obituary that appeared in the April 16, 2017 Star-Advertiser.
