How often in sports has a tight finish or surprise ending become a lame excuse for selfishness and unsportsmanlike behavior?

How many times have we seen things degenerate into vituperative finger-pointing and shrill histrionics when there is a close decision in athletics?

Too often unfortunately, which is part of what makes what unfolded at Ma'ili Beach on Sunday as praiseworthy as it was poignant. As refreshing as it was inspiring.

It wasn't just the unprecedented tie for the championship of the Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i Regatta — something that hadn't happened in 30 years of the event — but the abiding respect and humility with which it was resolved.

When there is a tie for a regatta championship in the Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a, custom dictates a coin flip to determine which canoe club goes home with the trophy.

But Clint Anderson, the coach of powerhouse Kane'ohe, knew better than most it was no time to stand on convention when his club and host Ka Mo'i tied. Many years in Hawai'i's state sport, some of the formative ones mentored by Ka Mo'i's late founder, David "Rona" Ka'aekuahiwi, had taught Anderson a higher standard and heartfelt sense of respect.

So, when the tie was announced, not only did he not demand a recount, Anderson graciously said there would be no need for a coin flip. He said the trophy should go to Ka Mo'i. "He told us, 'This is for your dad,' " said Lisa Ka'aekuahiwi, one of the coaches. "I couldn't believe it. It was awesome.

"It was neat," she said. "You didn't see any resentment on their (Kane'ohe's) faces like, 'Oh, we should have it.' They were happy for us.' "

Said Nalei Ka'aekuahiwi, another sister, "all of our canoe club was crying."

For if there was ever a regatta Ka Mo'i had wanted to win, this one, marking an emotional confluence of memories and hopes, was it. Rona Ka'aekuahiwi had died at age 72 in October and his spirit hovering over this 30th anniversary of the club's regatta — its first without him — was represented by the picture on the awards stand.

"From the opening ceremony, you could feel how our whole club was pushing for it (a victory)," Lisa said.

Rona Ka'aekuahiwi was a man with a big heart and keen sense of family, including the extended one represented by his canoe club and the sport's community. "My dad's way of thinking about his club was he always wanted to keep the families close together, from young to old age," Nalei said. "That was a bond he felt and encouraged. So, when Kane'ohe gave up the trophy to us, that was something we knew they felt, too."

The gesture, witnesses said, prompted Ka Mo'i to take up an appreciative cheer for Kane'ohe. One that was returned.

In the Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a, the '''ohana" part was more than just an element of the name last weekend.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.