Internal bleeding is deemed the cause

By Mike Yuen
Star-Bulletin

Internal bleeding appears to have caused Gov. Ben Cayetano to collapse early this morning, said first lady Vicky Cayetano and the governor's spokeswoman.

Doctors still need to determine what caused the bleeding, the first lady said in an interview outside the governor's room in the neuroscience intensive care unit at Queen's Hospital today.

One theory is that the bleeding is linked to the governor's daily use of a low-dose aspirin to thin his blood and help his cardiovascular system, said Vicky Cayetano, who made the 911 emergency call when her husband collapsed about 1 a.m.

By Rick Bernico, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Brandon Cayetano, son of the governor, center, and other family
members enter the emergency room at Queen's Hospital
at 2 a.m. today.

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Doctors gave the governor an infusion of slightly more than a pint of blood after he was admitted.

The first lady said doctors believe the governor's internal bleeding has stopped. But their tests will include scanning his stomach, she added.

Cayetano spokeswoman Kathleen Racuya-Markrich said the governor is in the neuroscience unit because it offered the most private room available and not because his condition warrants it.

The first lady added: "It's a precaution. He needs his rest. He's been pushing himself too much."

The governor's condition is not life-threatening, Vicky Cayetano added.

The governor did not suffer a heart attack or stroke, Racuya-Markrich stressed. He is under observation and is expected to remain at Queen's for one or two days while tests are run, she said.

By Rick Bernico, Special to the Star-Bulletin
Two women hug in the emergency room at Queen's Hospital
this morning. At right is Charles Toguchi, the governor's
chief of staff.

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Racuya-Markrich said although the governor is hospitalized, there will be no transfer of power in which Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono will be the acting governor.

However, Hirono will be assuming some of the governor's tasks. For instance, she will be leading the governor's town meeting tonight at Heeia Elementary School.

A governor's press conference scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled.

Hirono and Cayetano's chief of staff, Charles Toguchi, were to meet with the Cabinet late this morning to review the governor's schedule.

Racuya-Markrich said the governor fainted when he got out of bed at Washington Place.

Vicky Cayetano added: "Anytime you hear a crash at night and not hear your spouse respond, you do get concerned.

"I called him, but he did not answer.

"His eyes were open but he couldn't move or talk."

The governor regained consciousness a few minutes after he collapsed.

The governor is now in stable condition, the first lady said.