If anyone remembers the Kurosawa epic "Ran", based on King Lear, one can see the same thing playing out.  Once the Old Man (Inouye) dies, the clan closes in on itself and greed and ambition ensues.  Not even Ariyoshi, which some said was the heir apparent, can't control the loyal operators of the Old Machine.  Cracks appeared along way (Lingle getting elected, Bishop Estate trustees getting booted).  But for the most part, the old ways have passed into history like a sad faded memory.