Brandon Cayetano, son of former Gov. Ben Cayetano and owner and operator of Hawaii All-Star Paintball and Airsoft Games, died early Tuesday at Straub Clinic & Hospital.
The former governor confirmed the death.
The cause of death has not been released.
Brandon Cayetano was the firstborn of the former governor — the first Filipino-American governor to serve in the U.S. — and ex-wife Lorraine.
In recent years Cayetano suffered from a heart condition. In a December post on his Facebook page, he described his battle with congestive heart failure since 2009.
New of his death prompted messages of condolence to the Cayetano family by several lawmakers.
Friends posted a stream of messages on Facebook, sharing memories of Cayetano and his positive impact on the sport of paintball in Hawaii.
"He was very passionate about paintball, very passionate about the sport. He was all about the sport from Day One," said friend Nick Morris. Cayetano, who was in his 50s, was instrumental in bringing paintball tournaments to Hawaii.
Friends described him as humble and selfless with a good sense of humor.
Cayetano had operated the paintball field near Sand Island since January 2001. He held fundraisers to benefit charities like the Hawaii Foodbank and mentored and sponsored youth players to compete in tournaments on the mainland. "He was a down-to-earth, kindhearted guy," said Morris.
Scott Ige said, "He was like an older brother to me."
He added, "He was always there when you needed a friend. He wouId help in any way he could."
Rob Puahala recalled how Cayetano often drove him to his physical therapy appointments after he was injured in judo. "He always took care of me," said Puahala, reflecting on how Cayetano always referred to him as the son he never had. "If I needed anything, he would be there."
