Doug Sugidono closes down operations at Ed’s Union 76 on Lahainaluna Road. The family-run service station’s last day of business was March 31.

LAHAINA — The charm and integrity of small towns all across the nation and around the world is oftentimes defined by the family-run businesses that serve those communities. And that close-knit lifestyle is nowhere more evident than here on the West Side in Lahaina Town.

Ohana businesses such as Nagasako’s Variety Store and Deli, Matsumoto Service Station, Ichiki Market and so many more have served the community with the genuine aloha that has — and continues to do so — taken care of the needs of the community for decades.

Two weeks ago, on March 31, Ed’s Union 76 service station at the corner of Lahainaluna Road and Honoapiilani Highway shut down its fuel pumps for the last time.

After 50 years of serving local families, visitors and people of all walks of life, the iconic West Side business ended its long run at the busiest intersection in town.

In the early days back in the 1970s, Ed’s Union 76 operated out of a small hut in between the four operating pumps of the gas station. There Thelma and Ed Kiyonaga launched the unique and friendly service that would continue throughout the decades and remodels that characterized the operation.

Soon, the business grew to eight pumps; the Kiyonagas retired and passed the business on to their son, Dean Kiyonaga; and then on to the final years of service with Doug and Candace Sugidono.

Ed’s Union 76 thrived in the new millennium as a full-service gas station and garage with tire service.

As Doug Sugidono loaded his truck for the final time with the boxes of equipment that remained, he reflected on his years of wearing the blue and orange shirt with the 76 logo on his chest.

“We (as a family) had the honor of serving you, the Lahaina community, for over 50 years. We consider Lahaina our home (Kahului is their home base). This is sad, but we’d like to thank everyone, and thanks to all the employees throughout the years,” he said.

“You, the Lahaina community, were the reason for the success of the business. You are the best. Mahalo Nui Loa. Aloha ‘Oe.”