The wheelchair of a Waikiki street performer who does magic and card tricks was stolen in Kalihi last week, leaving him without his primary method of getting around in order to help his struggling family with finances.
Stolen on July 25 from a laundry area in an apartment complex in Kalihi, the wheelchair belonged to 23-year-old Raymond Sonnie Tavita, who has spina bifida.
“The wheelchair serves as his legs,” his mother, Cece Pita, said at a news conference Monday in the office of state Rep. John Mizuno. The lawmaker said those who want to help with the return of the wheelchair — no questions asked — can call his office.
Pita, who has 12 children, said Tavita uses his wheelchair to catch a bus to Waikiki to perform. She said he sometimes rolls his way from Kalihi to Waikiki.
Tavita said he left the wheelchair in the laundry room of the family’s Kalihi apartment complex on McNeill Street, never thinking that anyone would want to steal it.
“I just want the wheelchair to come back,” Tavita said. Since the theft he’s been mainly confined to home, and while he’s using crutches to walk, he tires easily doing so.
Mizuno (D, Kalihi Valley-Kamehameha Heights) said he’s close to the family and that they’re struggling to find affordable housing. He said Pita works two jobs and is getting no welfare or public assistance.
“Hopefully, someone has a good heart. I promise no questions will be asked and I will simply return the wheelchair to Raymond,” Mizuno said.
Mizuno’s office number is 586-6050, and his office at the state Capitol is Room 439.
