Pearl City police discovered the car of a missing 39-year-old Waipahu woman Wednesday afternoon in Pearl City while combing the area, but police have not found the woman, Loida Wideman.
Police stumbled on the gold 2003 Saturn Ion at 4:30 p.m.
The car, which appeared to be in good condition, was parked on the street in a busy area in front of Kado’s Lunch House at 829 Lehua Ave. in old Pearl City town, just south of H-1 freeway.
It was about 11⁄2 miles from Wideman’s home and 81⁄2 miles from her workplace, a nursing home in Kapolei, where she was headed when last seen by her family.
One neighbor said he saw the car when he awoke Wednesday morning, but other residents said they didn’t notice it.
Police spokesman Capt. Andy Lum said police are not commenting on the case because it remains under investigation.
Wideman, the mother of three boys, ages 5, 7 and 11, disappeared Mother’s Day, and police put out a CrimeStoppers bulletin asking for the public’s help in finding her and her car.
CrimeStoppers coordinator Sgt. Kim Buffett said there had been no tips as of Wednesday afternoon.
Wideman left her Kahualena Street home for work 9:30 p.m. Sunday, but never showed at Ka Punawai Ola, where she works part time as a certified nurse’s assistant. With her mother’s help, she also cares for two adult foster care patients in her home.
Her mother, who lives with her, became worried when she failed to return home at 6:30 a.m. Monday.
Junior Gabon, Wideman’s brother, said police told him shortly after the car was found that it did not appear broken into nor did they find any obvious evidence of foul play.
Gabon said police interviewed the three boys Wednesday.
Wideman’s ex-husband, Lonnell Wideman, 48, was at his Kapolei home Wednesday afternoon.
"I’m just at a loss for words," he said. "It’s just unbelievable."
He said he went to work Tuesday night, but couldn’t work.
"I asked my boss to cut me loose," he said.
He said that his and his ex-wife’s relationship is "fine," and they take their three sons out together "every once in a while."
Loida Wideman filed for divorce in 2008, and was granted sole custody of the boys. Lonnell Wideman was allowed visitation rights. The divorce decree was filed in 2009.
Lonnell Wideman said his sons are doing better than he is. The eldest, Caliph, however, blames himself for his mother’s disappearance, he said.
"I try to tell them that no matter what, it’s not your fault," he said.
