Proto-Polynesian (PPN) is divided into two primary branches: Tongic and Nuclear Polynesian. Between the two subgroups, only the Tongic languages regularly retain what is traditionally reconstructed as PPN* h, which derives from Proto-Oceanic* s. However, residues of PPN* h are found in certain words in Nuclear Polynesian languages. Furthermore, in some of these languages, it shows up as s, which is a violation of theories of sound change for which h> s is considered implausible. This paper shows that the traditional reconstruction of PPN* h actually conflates PPN* h and a lenis reflex of PPN* s, and that the sporadic retentions are not borrowings, but rather reflect a direct inheritance from Proto-Polynesian. Sporadic and irregular patterns of retention are attributed to lexical diffusion.