HONOLULU -- The acting director of the White House Travel Office was robbed and beaten in Waikiki early on Tuesday morning outside a nightclub, according to Honolulu police.
"He was knocked down, punched, kicked -- his wallet and id were stolen," Honolulu Police Department Capt. Frank Fujii said.
Pitts' passport and international phone were also taken.
Pitts left the bar alone. He walked through International Marketplace, where he was confronted by three men beaten up and robbed, according to a source familiar with the case.
His friends went looking for him and found him lying in a pool of blood.
People familiar with Waikiki said muggings happen occasionally. Police said they have no evidence of an increase in violence against tourists.
Pitts accompanied President George W. Bush on a brief visit to Hawaii. The stop came after an eight-day trip to Asia.
While Bush stayed at Hickam Air Force Base, White House staff, crew from the airplane and reporters stayed at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.
Paramedics treated Pitts and took him to Queen's Medical Center. He did not return with the president to Washington.
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