Despite thieves, Scouts uphold vow to help others

Though the donations helped to raise their spirits, the boys from San Jose went home without the digital camera that held photos recording their trip. Even worse is that these thefts aren't rare, marring tourists' visits and leaving them with a bad impression of Hawaii.

Many people come here with an idealistic image of the islands, often letting down their guard about safety and protecting possessions. Even though signs at scenic lookouts and visitor attractions warn of thefts, many don't take precautions. Security cameras installed at some locations deter thieves, but determined crooks still manage to do their dirty deeds, as residents, who also aren't immune to break-ins, can testify.

The Scouts left backpacks containing money, the camera and other belongings in a van while they went to have lunch in Waimanalo, probably not knowing that rental cars are prime targets for thieves even at ordinary spots like a McDonald's.

But the boys showed devotion to their Scout oath to be helpful when just hours after the theft they helped cleaned up trash at a nearby beach, then returned a few days later to do more work. They observed their call to be cheerful and look on the bright side when they graciously accepted donations.

What would make them more cheerful is the return of the camera and irreplaceable photos. Whoever has them ought to adopt another Scout trait: honesty.