Welcome to the Pono Choices Web Site!
Pono Choices is the first teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections prevention curriculum developed exclusively for youth ages 11 to 13 in Hawai‘i. The curriculum is Culturally Responsive—and introduces students to Hawaiian cultural terms, practices and concepts that stress positive character development, including making “pono” or “right” choices.
Pono Choices Background
Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are serious public health issues. Hawaii’s STI epidemic is most severe among young people, especially young women. For example, Hawaii has the 12th worst chlamydia rate and the 10th highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation, and only 54 percent of Hawaii’s high school students reported using condoms during their last sexual intercourse — the lowest percentage of any state in the nation. For more information, download Hawaii Public schools Sexual Health Education in Hawaii- Fact Sheet