Posted on: Friday, June 21, 2002

Dods qualified for office, Cayetano says

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Gov. Ben Cayetano Wednesday night said BancWest Chairman Walter Dods is "well-qualified to run as governor."

Dods, one of Hawai'i's most prominent and influential businessmen, has said he is seriously considering running for governor as a Democrat. Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, state Rep. Ed Case and former Republican senator and city managing director D.G. "Andy" Anderson are also running for governor as Democrats. Dods has never held elective office.

Cayetano, who returned from Japan yesterday, said Dods "has been a highly successful and respected business and community leader.

"He is a local boy who made it the hard way. If he does run, it is because he cares deeply about the future of Hawai'i. ... If he runs, he will add to the fine roster of Democratic candidates already running for governor, giving the voters still another choice."