Someone once said, "I am the sum of all that I have met." From my early life experiences, I learned the value of hard work, of family, of helping those in need, and of getting a second chance and making the most of it.
I grew up under somewhat difficult circumstances. But it was even more difficult for my mom, Ruby Hamasaki, who was in her early 20s and divorced with two children. My younger sister, Larrene, and I were sent to live with her aunt and uncle in Hilo. We called them our Hilo Grandma and Grandpa. Hilo Grandma and Grandpa had eleven children, six of whom were living at home. They were not rich and lived in a very modest home. It must not have been easy for them, yet they extended a helping hand to my mom and welcomed my sister and me with open arms.
Hilo was a big change for a young "city" boy like me. It was still very rural. There was no TV! So I listened to radio programs, like The Shadow, and used my youthful imagination to "picture" those wonderful stories. Outside, greenery abound. In our yard, there were fig, cherry, guava and mango trees. We harvested bamboo and ate bamboo shoots for dinner. My sister and I returned to Honolulu to live with my mom at my grandparents' home on Ala Moana Boulevard. There were 10 of us in my Honolulu grandparents' home, and a whole slew of cousins living close by to play with - a great extended family.
In 1956 my mom remarried. She and my stepfather, Bruce Hamada, had three children between them, Rissa (Miyasato), Richie, and Bruce, Jr. My stepfather is a wonderful, generous, caring person. Together, they instilled in me the values that have guided me throughout my life - education, honesty and respect for other people
I attended Kaimuki High School and graduated in 1965. Because my parents valued education, I went on to the University of Hawaii, the University of Florida, and the University of San Francisco School of Law, where I obtained my Juris Doctorate degree. I could not have done it without their support. As a fourth-generation Japanese-American, I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. I was the product of all the sacrifices made by my parents, grandparents and great grandparents - each generation working for better life, not so much for themselves, but for their children.
After college, I was determined to dedicate my career to public service, to work to create opportunities and a better life for my children and their generation - a reflection of the values that were instilled in me by my parents. My decision was also inspired by my political heroes, John and Robert Kennedy. They impressed upon me the true worth and purpose of politics, and how one person can make a positive and significant difference in this world.
But it was because of my early life experience that I have always rooted for the underdog, believed that a person in need deserves a helping hand, and-with that help- can grow, gain confidence and succeed. I have been in public service for 32 years and have worked for the interest of the greater community and, in particular, for those who do not have the ability or opportunity to speak for themselves. The core of my beliefs and the source of my inspiration have always centered on the family. In 1977 I married Jan Amemiya. Since then Jan's mom and dad, Keiji and Vivian Amemiya, and her sisters, Corinne Watanabe and Debbie Luning, and her brothers Roy and Chris have also formed an extended family much like the one in which I spent my childhood.
My wonderful wife Jan and I have three sons, Justin, Jarand, and Jordan. Our sons are our pride and joy. As they make their journey through life, we will be there to help them. They deserve no less than what our parents did for us.
Please visit the official campaign website at http://www.randyiwase.com
Hey MySpace friend!! How have you been?? I'm good, just doing this music thing!! I was just jamming out on your page & thought I'd give you a shout out!!
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yah uncle randy...now that i seen an african american man become the president i decided that im going to become the first asian man to become president...so when i get older im going to run for president haha
justic has been served in politics uncle randy...thank got obama is our next President...only god knows what would of happen if another republican was in office lol...
