Hawaii Hot Rod Benefit Raises Abuse Awareness

This Sunday, head out to Kalaeloa Airport on the west side for Hot Rods for Cause, a benefit for domestic violence. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. view more than 300 cars—from early 1900s hot rods to classic Mustangs and Corvettes—while raising funds for the Domestic Violence Action Center, a statewide agency dedicated to helping women and men who have experienced domestic abuse.

Cal Domen, a hot rod aficionado and someone who has been affected by the violence surrounding domestic abuse, founded Hot Rods for a Cause. “My sister was killed by domestic abuse in the 1970s,” says Domen. “In 2008, I was asked to do a car show, but I didn’t want to do a regular car show, I wanted to do it for a cause.”

Cal Domen, the founder of Hot Rods for a Cause, with his 1929 Ford Model A. Photo: Courtesy of Charmaine Padeken

This Sunday is the third annual Hot Rods for a Cause, and, with the help of Representative Karen Awana, Domen secured the former Barbers Point Airport hangars. “My involvement with this event started through a request to help find a location, but it quickly grew into a cause that will help save lives,” stated Awana.

The benefit is asking for a $5 donation per person, and features food, live music, car rides and domestic violence information booths in addition to the auto show. Domen will showcase his yellow 1929 Ford Model A.

Last year, the benefit raised $2,000; Domen expects more than 1,000 people to turn out and hopes to raise more funds. “The cars attract people,” he says. “But we [hope people] will give from the heart.”