Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 7, 1 July 1986 — Tribute by Kaha'i Topolinski [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Tribute by Kaha'i Topolinski

Commemorative Recording HonorsKawena Pukui

"Nou E Kawena" or "For You Kawena" is a commemorative recording of songs and chants reflecting the values and teachings of the late and great Mary Kawena Pukui who died May 21. lt was put together by noted Kumu Hula John Renken Kaha'i Topolinski who recently observed his 13th year as head of his own Ka Pa Hul^ Hawaii. Under Topolinski's direction, his halau has won many top honors in hula competitions throughout the state. "She was a great woman and I have a hard time letting her go," this mo'opuna ho'okama lamented during a recent interview. "I take her as my very own grandmother. I owe her and her family a lot whieh I ean never repay," T opolinski added. "The recording," he explained, "reflects the kind of person she was. She had a natural curiousity and desire to learn and this played a major role in her life." Topolinski said the recording had been in the works for seven or eight years. Jacqueline Leilani Lindsay, known on KCCN Radio 1420 as the Honolulu Skylark, first played the recording to the general public on Apr. 21, one day after her 91st birthday. She died May 21, exactly one month following the premiere playing of the recording. "I cried when she passed away. I feel she had heard the entire tape," Topolinski remarked. Topolinski authored the narrative on the recording's back jacket, noting: "She realized at an early age the importance of documenting the things she was taught as well as the things seen and heard in everyday life. She recorded life! The voluminous material she translated during her many years associated with the Bishop Museum certainly contributed to her already vast knowledge of the Hawaiian culture. She emphasized to her students the importance of respecting and honoring the family and ali'i from whom eame mueh of the poetry and spirit of the male. Her students were encouraged to write and create within the framework of Hawaiian. "She taught her students the importance of research as an integral partof learning,and that they should share and return that whieh they had learned. "Kawena has always been willing to help in whatever way she might to those seeking insights into any aspect of the Hawaiian culture, language, history, hula and chant, religion or Hawaiian traditions. It was important

to Kawena to encourage people who had a desire to leam, to understand Hawaii's past that they might know the reality of the present. She has never restricted her knowledge and assistance based on ethnicity. She has always given in aloha . . . aloha in its truest form. "So it is with aloha that we honor her with this gift of love from her student and mo'opuna ho'okama, Kaha'i Topolinski, and from the many whose lives she has touched in a very special way."

There are 16 songs and chants on the recording with many of them taken from Mary Kawena Pukui's works and some composed by Topolinski and other loeal artists. Among the chanters are Topolinski himself, Anthony Lenehanko and Keith Kalani Akana. Many others were involved with the recording, including Sam Kaina, Mark Tang, Haunani Judd Kauahi, Nancy King, Randie K. Fong, William Aarona, Richard Heirakuji, Robert Lazo, James Kaha'i Merseberg, Charles Manu Boyd, Lehua Hulihe'e, Joan Manke, Keoni DuPont and others. The record and cassette tape ean be found at the Bishop Museum's Shop Pacifica, House of Music, Sears, Roebuck and Co. music department and other leading record shops. "Kawenalani Sleeps in Sacredness" A Dirge for Mary Kawena Wiggin Pukui By John R. Kaha'i T opolinski Kawenalani sleeps in sacredness The sweet T uberose blossom falls asleep The blood rains of Hawaii fall heavy in torrents Ka'u's royal garlands drenched in the moving rain Tears flow from the eyes of Kamamoakuali'i And the royal blossoms of Umihulumakaokalani lament I stood and gazed in sadness then Tears filled my eyes causing me to weep Indeed great is my love for you Alas my makuahineho'okama you have gone Alas my royal one in the ealm of Manoa Snatched away by the Gods to adorn the crown of heaven Gone away to the realm of the Gods Gone to the plaee behind Jesus The 'a'ali'i adornment moves on her way She sleeps the summers and winters away In the sacred sleep of Hi'iaka of the rosy dawn Alas the cherished blossom has indeed gone My adopted grandmother in the warmth of heaven Farewell, Farewell to thee! Farewell o Kawena of the heavenly red glow The fair lehua of Pa'ahana most renowned for their loyalty to the heritage of ancient Hawaii lndeed your memory will live on into eternity Like a diamond that sparkles in its infinite brilliance Thou precious one of Nakakauahoaokawena Farewell, farewell, farewell to thee.

This photo of Mary Kawena Pukui was taken in October, 1957, at her Bishop Museum desk. It was taken by Mori Yamada of Camera Hawaii.