Debbie Kiakahi Rommel has been dancing for over 25 years and began teaching hula in 2006 with the blessings of her Kumu Hula Tina Momilani Eggert (master hula teacher).  Although Debbie is ha'ole (Caucasian) she has a love for the Hawaiian people, dance and culture.
 
Debbie is continually trained by Kumu Tina.  She travels to Chicago spending time with Tina and taking lessons.  Tina also travels to Kansas City to teach lessons to Debbie's haumana (dancers) as well as guiding occasional workshops.
 
Debbie's first hula instructor was Barbara-Jean Van Scoy in Gladstone, Mo.  After three years of training, Barbara-Jean moved to Hawaii leaving a group of dancers, over the years the group split often.  Debbie has danced for the Pualani Dancers, the Makana Aloha Dancers the Aloha Pumehana Dancers (for 20 years) and is now Hula Hale O'Kiakahi.  For over 10 years we have had the band "Hula Girl"  We have Leo Eilts on base, Roger Eilts on ukulele and 12 string and Jeff Elsoo on dobro and steel guitar.  Together we make Hula Girl and perform for many events in town.  
 
After many enquires for hula lessons, Debbie has the permission and blessings of Kumu Tina to teach in KC.  While not a Kumu Hula, she promises to teach kahiko ( ancient) and auana (modern) hula to the best of her manao (knowledge) and to make sure she is teaching it correctly.  Debbie's goal is to teach a dancer to be a "dancer of hula" and not a "hula dancer".
 
Debbie learns as much as she can about the Hawaiian culture and sees as much as possible when she visits the islands.  She educates herself by taking workshops both on the mainland and the islands as well as studing with Kumu Tina.  Debbie has had the honor of performing with Ledward Kaapana, Mike Kaawa, George Kuo, Erin Mahi and Cyril Pahunui who have all come through the Kansas City area while on tour.