If we read poporo as popo-ro (with popo = ball), the question then becomes: What is ro?

The meaning of ro is 'drop', which becomes clear when we read that ro-i-nohi = ro-i-mata = tear. 'Tear' equals 'a drop in the eye'.

Nohi

Pau.: nohi, eye, face, front, mesh. Ma.: kanohi, eye. Ro-i-nohi, a tear. Ta.: ro-i-mata, id. Sa.: lo-i-mata, id. Ma.: ro-i-mata, id. Churchill.

We are reminded of the'weeping god':

Poporo means - among other things - small droplets.