Back Into The Lion's Den, Cayetano Asking for Professors' Support

Michael Levine/Civil Beat

"This lady came up to me and she had something in her hand, and she said 'Fuck you,' and she hit me right between the eyes."

That's how Ben Cayetano this week described a memorable encounter with protesting University of Hawaii professors when he was governor.

It was ugly. He had to be hustled away by security.

But now, more than a decade later, he's going back to the professors on his own two feet and asking them to help him win the Honolulu mayor's race.

Cayetano revealed to Civil Beat this week that on Saturday he'll speak to leadership of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, the professors' union. UHPA Executive Director JN Musto declined to comment.

The news is surprising for a couple of reasons. First is the history of animosity. Second is that UHPA, which does jump into state races, doesn't generally wade into county contests.

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