HONOLULU – Billy Rayl, director of field service, Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), released a statement following a national vote by local leaders of Boy Scouts of America to revise its membership policy. 

“The Aloha Council, Boy Scouts of America supported the national resolution because we believe Scouting should be available to all young people.

“The policy revision reinforces our mission to prepare young people to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders in our communities.

“The conversations that have been taking place within the BSA nationally mirror the dialogue that is occurring across the country, including here in Hawaii. They reflect the changing world that we live in and expectations of our community that Scouting continues to be a place for all young people to develop life skills, leadership and citizenship.”

For more than a century, Scouting has brought together individuals and organizations with varied backgrounds and beliefs to help young people grow into adulthood. These Scouts have had a profound, positive impact on our communities and society, supported by committed volunteers, parents and sponsoring organizations.

The Aloha Council is one of 290 councils that collectively make up the Boy Scouts of America. The Aloha Council serves 13,000 young people each year in Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and across the Pacific and is supported by 5,000 adult volunteers and community members.

Photo courtesy Jinx!.

—Chad Blair