Cayetano stands by remarks about Sen. Inouye

[ellisonz]

Fallout from Wednesday's mayoral debate for Honolulu mayor has already begun, with a pro-rail trade group calling on former two-term Gov. Ben Cayetano to apologize for remarks about Sen. Dan Inouye.

"Sen. Dan Inouye is a hero who's fought for Hawaii for generations, and to hear fellow Democrat Ben Cayetano insult him in the way he did is very disappointing," said John White, executive director of Pacific Resource Partnership, which represents more than 200 contractors across the state.

During a debate sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Cayetano said Inouye hasn't received feedback on the $5.3 billion rail project from everyday Oahu residents.

"Sen. Inouye has been listening to the government, and he's never listened to the people," Cayetano said Wednesday. "He's out of touch as far as I'm concerned. I respect Sen. Inouye; he's done a lot for our country and for our state, but we shouldn't defer to him."

More: KITV Story

[mahina]

1. Facts are facts.

God bless them both.

Imua Ben!

[dkf]

2. Classic Ben.

I can't say I'm shocked.