Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 3, 1 Malaki 1990 — Topolinski feted on 50th birthday [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kōkua No ke kikokikona ma kēia Kolamu

Topolinski feted on 50th birthday

Kumuhula and noted Hawaiian scholar John Renken Kaha'i Topolinski celebrated his 50th birthday anniversary at a dinner reception with friends on Feb. 7. Credited with the revival of male hula in 1973, Kaha'i Topolinski, a Hawaiian history teacher at Mililani High School, has risen to the heights of perpetuating traditional hula in his generation. A graduate of the halau headed by Kumu huia Maiki Aiu Lake, he went on to study with other masters including Dr. Mary Kawena Pukui, her daughters Pele Pukui Suganuma and Pat Namaka Bacon, Sally Wood Naluai and Henry Pa. Ka Pa Hula Hawaii, Topolinski's prize winning halau, has performed for many dignitaries including European royalty. Topolinski graduated from Brigham Young University at Provo, Utah, and he earned a masters degree in Pacific Island Studies from the University of Hawaii. Topolinski is married to the High Chiefess Anne Kamamoakualii Kekuiapoiwa Kauapiiokamakaala Buffandeau. They have a daughter, Rose Wahinekapu Kahakuikawaiea Kahaopulani Sumner Topolinski and a son, Mieah Kahanuiakamehameha Tehuiarii-Pomare Sumner Topolinski.

John Renken Kaha'i Topolinski