Text and Photos By Todd Suda
Helluva Rides “Nippon O Sukuou” Maui Cruise was held on Sunday April 17, 2011. The Japanese phrase Nippon O Sukuou translates to “Let’s help Japan” in English which was the theme to this charity cruise. Money generated from this event will be given to the American Red Cross, Japan Relief Fund. There was an open invitation to anyone who wanted to participate in this event. All cars, trucks, and motorcycles were invited to participate in this event. Word of this event was spread through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Automotive Websites, and old fashioned phone calls. Sponsors for this event provided door prizes for those who participated in this event. Companies that provided door prizes are 808Allday, Times Supermarket, Alter Ego, Scion Hawaii, Frank Suda Landscaping, Drip Hawaii/Golden Heart and Kamikaze Electronics.
There were over 40 cars and trucks that came out to support this event including several car clubs which included Scion Evolution Hawaii, Scion Sessions, and Maui Classic Cruisers. The day started out at the Kahului Shopping Center parking lot. Participants bought “Nippon O Sukuou” stickers and entered into the door prize drawings. The first set of door prize winners received shirts, gift certificates, stickers, and lanyards. The first leg of the route was discussed and the cruise started its course for Lahaina.
The cars headed out to Lahaina by taking Honoapiilani Highway and then taking Front Street to the Lahaina Cannery Mall. At the Lahaina Cannery Mall, we took a break to eat lunch and relax a bit. Second drawing took place and winner got more of the same plus a pair of Alpine speakers provided by Kamikaze Electronics. The cruise started on its final leg to the Shops of Wailea.
Participants took Front Street and went on Honoapiilani Highway towards Kihei. Once in Kihei, the cruise enjoyed a scenic drive on South Kihei Road all the way to the Shops of Wailea. The last door prize drawing took place and winners got another pair of Alpine speakers as well as more shirts, visors, stickers, license plate holders and lanyards.
Overall, this Maui event generated over $500.00 that was added to the grand total of the 2 event that totaled $5201.00 for the Red Cross, Japan Relief Fund. Everyone enjoyed this unique event that brought all kinds of car and truck enthusiasts together. At times, it felt like a moving car show where people stopped to take a look at all the cars and trucks while on the road and especially in the parking lots. Although we started out as strangers in the beginning, by the time event ended there was a feeling of
“ohana”. That’s what this event was all about, coming together as a family and helping our extended family in Japan.
Much mahalos to all the participants and sponsors for making this event happen.
On behalf of the staff at Helluva Rides, we would like to thank Maui for holding this event even though our staff couldn't make the event. The custom rides that Maui produces is by far top notch! We hope to hold another charity event on Maui very soon. If any Maui clubs or individuals would like to hold an HR event please contact us.
We are also looking for a photographer on Maui to shoot and submit events and rides to us.