Spreading Pono: The Gantala's

Bronco League, Pono Braves, Player, Keegan Gantala (2017)

“Pono is not just a word you say. It’s a way of life and you need to act upon it. It defines you as a person and becomes how you live your life by how you act.”

— Keegan Gantala, All Pono Athlete

“To perpetuate Pono is not easy. For example, when people are judging you, or your parents expect too much from you, or you have the most annoying big brother. Everybody says, ‘do what is Pono’. That action is easier to say than do.”

— Chaela Gantala

In the midst of tragedy, continue to do what is Pono. - Maile Vieala. Our family has been blessed with close family friends who have taught us the value of Pono. Pono means to do what is right, and it has become the foundation my family lives by. Pono means do what is right, and I try to perpetuate Pono as much as I can. Pono also connects me to the moʻolelo of Hāloa.

To perpetuate Pono is not easy. For example, when people are judging you, or your parents expect too much from you, or you have the most annoying big brother. Everybody says, “do what is Pono”. That action is easier to say than do. Auntie Maile is like my second mother which makes me want to try my best to do what is Pono. There are times I'm a bully or mean to people, which makes Auntie Maile really disappointed in me. I can be Pono in doing little things, like smiling or saying, “hi” to people. Or I can demonstrate being Pono in other ways, such as teaching the younger kids in my Jiu Jitsu class instead of taking advantage of their inexperience. The bigger challenge in perpetuating Pono is at home. Having respect for my parents and my brother. Listening to my parents when I am spoken to or trying not to fight with my brother.

“In the midst of tragedy, continue to do what is Pono.”

— Maile Viela, All Pono

The golden rule: “Do onto other as you would like them to do unto you”, goes hand in hand with the value of Pono. Pono means a lot to me as a Kanaka Maoli, because in i kawa kahiko (old days), our Kūpuna (ancestors) always tried to do what is right. In i kawa kahiko if Liliʻuokalani allowed her warriors to fight with the Foreigners, it could’ve caused a war. Instead, she chose peace. It was her intention that the Foreigners would show the Hawaiian people the same respect.

“In conclusion, I try my best to perpetuate Pono. If it means listening to my parents, being respectful to my brother, helping others, or simply being nice to others, I am producing Pono actions.”

— Chaela Gantala

To be Pono connects me to the moʻolelo Hāloa because Hāloa did what was Pono by taking care of Hāloanakālaikapalili. As it was Hāloanakālaikapalili’s kuleana to provide for his brother Hāloa. Hāloa in return needed to care for Haloanakalaikapalili. This meant Hāloa’s kuleana was to water and farm the kalo very well. In return Hāloanakālaikapalili produced good and healthy fruit.

In conclusion, I try my best to perpetuate Pono. If it means listening to my parents, being respectful to my brother, helping others, or simply being nice to others, I am producing Pono actions. This is important to me as a kanaka maoli and connects me to the moʻolelo of Hāloa and Hāloanakālaikapalili. How will you make your mark on the world by doing what is right?

Chaela Gantala
Kamehameha Schools - Maui Elementary Campus