Donation replaces street performer’s stolen wheelchair
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Raymond Sonnie Tavita, 23, was presented with two wheelchairs at the state Capitol today. Tavita received an outpouring of community support after his wheelchair was stolen from his Kalihi home last week.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Tavita speaks to the media while aboard his new $3,000 wheelchair purchased by Aloha Kia president and CEO Bill van den Hurk and The Cab president Howard Higa. Tavita also received a used electric wheelchair from Waianae resident Yvonne Whitehead which retails new for over $3,500.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Tavita’s mother, Cece Pita, embraces state Rep. John Mizuno who helped rally and organize donors for the new wheel chairs for her son.
A Honolulu street performer has received a donated wheelchair to replace a stolen one.
Raymond Tavita says his wheelchair was stolen from the laundry area of his home on July 25. The 23-year-old was born with a birth defect that makes it hard for him to get around without the wheelchair.
Tavita makes money as a street performer doing magic and card tricks, but says that without his wheelchair, he would be mainly confined to his home.
State Rep. John Mizuno held a news conference Monday asking the public for help. According to a news release, three donors then stepped in to provide the new wheelchair.
Tavita received the wheelchair during a surprise presentation at the state Capitol today.
