LIHUE — Jim Benkert and Briggs Knott of Briggs Bikes spent weeks collecting and refurbishing old bicycles in their free time so they could donate them to the YWCA. After nearly a month of hard work, they had eight quality working bikes assembled in Benkert’s carport, ready to be dropped off on Monday.
LIHUE — Jim Benkert and Briggs Knott of Briggs Bikes spent weeks collecting and refurbishing old bicycles in their free time so they could donate them to the YWCA. After nearly a month of hard work, they had eight quality working bikes assembled in Benkert’s carport, ready to be dropped off on Monday.
But when Benkert walked outside Friday morning, half of the eight — four adult and four child-sized — bicycles were gone. Somebody had taken them from under a sign that read, “for YWCA donation.”
“I would have given them a bike! We’re donating them, anyway,” Benkert said.
It’s not so much the material value of the bikes or the time spent working on them that’s so upsetting. What frustrates Benkert is that finding repairable used bikes on the island that people are willing to part with for free is not an easy or quick task.
On Monday, they will have to show up at the YWCA, four bikes short of the eight they promised.
“They’ve got people waiting for those bikes,” Benkert said.
“If any of you have a bike that you’re not using, please consider contacting me for donation,” Benkert wrote in a Facebook post Friday.
“I’ll make sure it gets a second life by someone who needs transportation. I’m mentally letting the theft go, trusting karma to take care of the thief. Mahalo!”
Benkert said anyone interested in donating a used bike can message him on Facebook or just bring it to Briggs Bikes on Aukele Street.
Your community service is appreciated, Jim!