"Aloha," said Pono. "Do you live here?"

"Ai," said Piko. "O'opu are one of five rare native freshwater fishes in Hawai'i."

"Why are you smiling?" Pono asked.

"I'm smiling because I'm cute," said Piko. "I have a sucker on my tummy that helps me stick to rocks in the stream. Piko means belly button in Hawaiian."

"You are very cute," said Pono. He started to smile.

Then, Piko frowned. So did Pono.

"We're very rare. There aren't very many of us left. Soon, we will be put on the threatened or endangered species list.

We're rare because many people pollute the fresh Hawaiian water. Some people use our streams as a garbage can, and wild pigs and goats urinate and make manure in the water. Other people dam the stream or stop the water from running. That is why many native fish in the water die. That's why WE NEED TO KEEP OUR WATERS CLEAN!!!"

"I hope people will help," Pono said. "Aloha." 

Piko let Pono ride on his back across the stream. Pono got to the other side and kept walking. He was hot. Then, he saw some shade.

The third friend he met was . . .

 

Mica, the Miconia Plant

Ka'leo the 'Ohi'a Tree