Kiele is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is the recipient of the Johnny Pineapple Scholarship which is administered by the Ke Ali'i Pauahi Foundation.

Kiele expressed her gratitude in her words saying,

As Hawaiians we know that the journey ahead cannot take place without first knowing where we came from and who helped us get there. Thus I take this short moment to honor you for a great cause - your support of Hawaiian students like me who seek for our people the promises of the future while perpetuating the knowledge, wisdom, and heritage of the past.