Ben: A Memoir, from Street Kid to Governor

Product Description

BEN: 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 today: 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

Review

“The best book on Hawaii politics since Lawrence Fuchs’
Hawaii Pono.” –Dan Boylan,
MidWeek, July 22, 2009

“… one of the most important books ever written on Hawaii politics …. It’ll still be in circulation 30 years from now.” –David Shapiro,
The Honolulu Advertiser, March 18, 2009

About the Author

Benjamin J. Cayetano served as governor of Hawaii from 1994 to 2002 and was the first Filipino American elected as a United States governor. He currently lives in Honolulu with his wife, Vicky.