Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano
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Object numberC0522
TitleGovernor Benjamin J. Cayetano
CreatorDaniel E. Greene
Descriptionoil painting on canvas
Date2002
SubjectFigurative, Portrait, Political
Material110-oil painting
Current locationState Capitol - Office of the Governor
Dimensions
Image: 48 x 36
Credit lineState Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Collection
Accompanying textGovernor Benjamin Cayetano, Hawaii's fifth elected governor and first Governor of Filipino ancestry, left a legacy of accomplishment that continues to serve Hawaii. Raised in Kalihi by a single immigrant father who worked double shifts as a waiter to make ends meet, Cayetano's path to leadership was not always apparent. He graduated from Farrington High School in 1958, and married his high school sweetheart at age 18. In 1963 he moved to California for a fresh start, and earned a Bachelor's degree in political science and American history from UCLA. In 1971 he earned a juris doctorate from Loyola Law School, and returned to Hawaii that year to practice law. A progressive Democrat, Cayetano was first elected to the State House of Representatives in 1974, representing the predominantly Japanese American district of Pearl City. In 1979 he was elected to State Senate, and in 1986 became Lieutenant Governor.
Voters knew Ben as an honest, straight-talking leader who had the courage of his convictions and shunned political correctness. He was first elected Governor in 1994. While employing responsible fiscal policies, he nevertheless managed to improve public education, boost commerce, diversify the economy, modernize government and preserve Hawaii's natural beauty. His time in office remained scandal-free, and received acclaim from liberals and conservatives alike. In his final State of the State Address in 2002, Cayetano proclaimed: "America is the land of second chances." He success reminds us all of that simple truth. Throughout his career, the former Kalihi boy displayed unmatched strength of character and resistance to political influence. He served Hawaii with the highest integrity and an unparalleled commitment to social justice.
The paintings and pastels of Kauai artist Daniel Greene hang in over 500 public and private collections, including New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. His portrait subjects have included leaders of government, banking, education and industry, as well as celebrities like Eleanor Roosevelt, Ayn Rand, William Randolph Hearst and Rush Limbaugh.