Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 6, 1 June 2015 — KIHUNE ADDRESSES CHAMINADE GRADUATES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

KIHUNE ADDRESSES CHAMINADE GRADUATES

In a May 1 1 commencementaddress to Chaminade University graduates, Retired U.S. Navy Adm. Robert Kalani Uiehi Kihune described how he overcame prejudice as a Japanese-Hawaiian during World War II, being negatively judged for his small stature in Kamehameha Schools ROTC and finally finding his calling as a young man in the Naval Academy. He recalled being "ashamed of who I was," having been teased as "an enemy because of my Japanese heritage and stereotyped to be a lazy Hawaiian." At the urging of a teacher, he went reluctantly to the Naval Academy, where he heeame a leader. "They saw my ethnicity and culture as a positive strength. Every new experience we shared together gradually and steadily made me believe in myself, because they definitely believed in me," said Kihune, who retired in 1 994 after 35 years in the Navy. He is the first Japanese-Hawaiian to achieve the rank of three-star vice admiral in the Navy. His advice for graduates? "Believe in and be proud of who you are." Family and friends are "the surest foundation upon whieh you ean build a fulfilling life." "Make a career of what you love best, even if you don't succeed in the first, second or third try. Your heart will tell you when you have arrived." "Take the time to thank those who helped you along your journey." And, "Only through goodness and caring ean true success be achieved." Kihune, a former Chaminade regent, second from right, is pictured with, from left, Aulani Kaanoi, vice president of finance and facilities; Diane Peters-Nguyen, vice president of institutional advancement; and regent Maile Meyer. - Photo: UsaAsato

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