Retired U.S. Army Major General Walter Kazuhiko Tagawa, 87, quietly passed away on October 13, 2016 in Honolulu. Born in Honolulu on April 28, 1929, he attended Saint Louis High School and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1952 with a degree in Architecture. He entered the U.S. Army as a private during the Korean War, and by 1954 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. After serving on active duty, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Brigadier General and commanding general of the Pacific Army Reserve in 1979. Subsequently assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Western Command at Fort Shafter, Tagawa was promoted to Major General, Deputy Commanding General for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs before retiring with 36 years of service. General Tagawa was also a licensed architect, founder and president of GACI, Inc. He was an accomplished architect and many of his buildings can be found throughout the state. His service to the Hawaii community was extensive as it was impressive. In addition to serving on numerous boards, he left lasting legacies and was a true visionary. His accomplishments were wide ranging: developing a program to assist new sovereign nations in the Pacific to improve the quality of life; recognized by the City Council for pioneering a new concept in Elderly Retirement Community; developed a Facilities Management program for the American Red Cross; developed the Moiliili Community Center; developed outreach youth vocational program for rural areas; organized the Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development program in the Pacific Rim; established the Japanese Cultural Center which has become a role model for other ethnic groups in Hawaii; established affiliation programs with chamber of commerces in Japan; introduced and accepted as legislation, planned review process for health care facilities and developed domestic action programs in American Samoa, Territory of Guam and Commonwealth of Northern Marianas. General Tagawa is survived by his wife Ella, sons Michael and Francis, daughter Michele Saito, stepdaughter Sharon Polinar, stepsons Kenneth and Richard Izumi and six grandchildren. Services were privately held. Monetary contributions in honor of General Tagawa may be made to the Japanese Cultural Center, Hawaii Army Museum Society or Moiliili Community Center. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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