Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor

by Benjamin J. Cayetano

A Memoir was named the Samuel M. Kamakau 2010 Hawaii Book of the Year by the Hawaii Book Publishers Association. The book was also awarded the association's Ka Palapala Po'okela Award of Excellence in Non-fiction Books, the top honor in the category.

From a hardscrabble childhood in the rough Honolulu neighborhood of Kalihi to his two terms in the governor's mansion, Washington Place, Ben Cayetano's story offers a riveting look at Hawaii yesterday and ethnic voting, Hawaiian sovereignty, Bishop Estate, the drama of 9-11 and the back-room maneuverings of politicians and business leaders. Here is a rare glimpse behind the scenes, an unflinching memoir with no punches pulled, told with warmth and candor in his own words.

"...a revealing exposure of the political sausage grinder of compromise and betrayal, loyalty and courage, fear and rage." —U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie

"In my 20 years of covering the political scene, Ben Cayetano was the most impressive I ever met—an independent iconoclast, who eschewed not only the political correctness of the day but also the cronyism of local politics." —Political reporter Robert Rees

"Cayetano explains the intricacies and convolutions of Hawaii politics better than anyone ever has. Must reading for understanding how government in the Aloha State really works." —Political consultant Joseph Napolitan

"... one of the most important books ever written on Hawaii politics .... It'll still be in circulation 30 years from now." --David Shapiro, Columnist, The Honolulu Advertiser

568 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Gerald Kinro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find most politicians boring and do not enjoy their autobiographies. This is an exception, however. Ben, written by former Hawaii governor, Ben Cayetano, begins with his childhood in the Kalihi section of Honolulu in the 1950s. It goes through his days through public school, working as a draftsman, going to college and law school, becoming a legislator, and finally governor.

Our experiences of Hawaii can be called different; he from urban Honolulu and I from a farm on the Island of Hawaii. Yet we share the similarity of growing up under less than affluent circumstances. I disagree with Mr. Cayetano on the majority of political issues but found this to be a very good read. The biggest asset of this work is the author’s candor. Ben pulls no punches as he criticizes legislators, business people, and others in the state in positions of influence. He criticizes himself. On the other side he is quick to praise those whom he feels worthy. Another big plus is the book’s simplicity, how he explains things seemingly boring like laws and the legislative process in simple language and makes it interesting.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a thorough memoir of Ben Cayetano's term as Governor of Hawaii until leaving office after Linda Lingle's election. I rounded the rating up because the book served the main purposes for my reading. Because of the nature of the subject matter, this is not something that can be read through quickly so it took me a very long time to work my way through it (it was more of a side volume between other books). I grew up in Hawaii but left to pursue college prior to Cayetano taking office. I really didn't have an interest in local politics prior to leaving. However I was puzzled how such a weak governor like Lingle was elected. There was a clear recounting of Cayetano's terms as governor and although he served during a time of economic problems, he did well. However, during the election for his successor, Lingle edged out the current Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono. During the campaign, Lingle was not honest about things that she proposed to due quickly upon taking office. She also got some extra assistance from the Bush administration on issuance of exaggerated reports just before the election on how poorly Hawaii was doing with respect to some metrics.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never really cared much for him when he was Gov, so I wasn't planning to read the book. My father told me to reconsider, since he thought the book was well-written and gave a behind-the-scenes look at politics in Hawaii. So I caved and read Ben Cayetano's memoir. What a surprise--it was in fact well-written and easy to get into. Mr. Cayetano had an interesting life--I liked reading about his childhood and growing up years. He seems like a no-nonsense guy and I guess being governor is a tough job. I am glad I read the book because it gave me insight as why he chose to make some of the more unpopular decisions during his reign as the head of our state.

[Marian Yee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemporary and comprehensive view of Hawaii's politics in the last decade or two. A must-read for anyone living or working in or with the State of Hawaii who gets into business or public service and wants to obtain a grasp of the whole, then the details of the whole.
The book is brave and "tells-it-like-it-is" especially my opinion, as a resident in Hawaii to see it played out.
(Surprised to find a glowing comment of my uncle on one page).

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be on the list of required reading for middle/high school student in the state.