FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Who, how, what, where, when is PONO?
A. Soon after arriving in Hawaii, Norm Sandin took Hawaiian language classes. Every student was encouraged to adopt a Hawaiian name. Norm's kids had called him Papa when they were young. That turned into Pa as they grew and eventually into Po as they cooled. Put Po on the front of Nomano, the Hawaiian spelling of Norman, and you have Ponomano. Norm allowed his classmates to shorten that to PONO! The instructor said "Do you know what PONO means?" Norm said "Heavens, no, what DOES it mean?" She said "PONO means righteous!" Norm said "What a lucky break!" And Norm became Pono.
Q. What's with the Right Ear?
A. Pono developed a blockage in both ears. The left ear cleared quickly with topical treatment, but the right ear persisted. Eventually, Dr. Song punctured the eardrum, installed a drain, vacuumed out the fluid, and prescribed drops and antibiotics. Since Dr. Song prescribed EYE drops for the ear, Pono asked if he should use the antibiotics as suppositories. The picture and poem were payment to Dr. Song. It is still on his examination room door some six months after the procedure. He says he gets lots of comments on it.
Q. What's with Ode To A Tart?
A. A favorite family recipe is Oatmeal Jim Jams. They are oatmeal cookies filled (Oreo style) with chopped dates and allowed to age a few days to mellow. Sandin men LOVE them, CRAVE them, COVET them, and MISS them when they are gone. Pono finished the last one of a batch and was overcome with emotion!
Q. What is the word 'Ulalena on the Hawaiian chant picture?
A. 'Ulalena is the name of a live stage show that presents a blend of the mythology and history of Hawaii in music and dance. 'Ulalena is also the red rain peculiar to certain parts of Hawaii. The picture shows Pono and Judy with the great god Maui, who dragged the islands up out of the ocean with his fishhook.