At the Waiola Church Cemetery, Scout Mason Haidl places a flag at the gravesite of Private Koichi Taniguchi, who served in the U.S. Army during World War I. Looking on is Life Scout Trejon Boynton.

LAHAINA – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Troop 79, the only remaining Boy Scout Troop on the West Side, along with leaders, parents and other volunteers go out every year during Memorial Day Weekend to place flags on the graves of veterans who have served our country.

This year’s participants included Scouts Mason Haidl, William Pier, Ledan Delatori, Trejon Boynton, Xander Moffett, Nixon Moffett, Ezra Tolbert, Kaili Casco, Samuel Kahaialii and Kuha’o Murray, Scout Master Aaron Kamaunu and Assistant Scout Leader Heather Boynton.

Due to changes in the church, Troop 79 and all other church-sponsored troops across the nation will come to a close on Dec. 31, 2019.

The Maui District Boy Scouts of America office is currently working on this matter and hopes to have a new West Maui troop established sometime in 2020.