FAMILY FUN
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Children from the Leeward YMCA enjoy themselves on a field trip to Planet Fun in the Kunia Shopping Center.
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What planet are you on?
Kids and teens can indulge their stage fantasies at a karaoke restaurant that provides costumes and props, plus school tours introducing them to careers
Adorned in glittery sunglasses, a pink wig, long fancy gloves and a fur scarf, 8-year-old Samantha Smith was ready for the stage. Her 4-year-old brother, Zachary, looked like a miniature Elvis impersonator.
The kids were enjoying an afternoon at Planet Fun, a family arcade and karaoke restaurant in the Kunia Shopping Center. "I liked dressing up, especially the wig. It was so much fun," said Samantha.
She claimed to feel a bit shy, but did sing a few songs with her brother, including "Happy Birthday" and "Jingle Bell Rock," then took in some Hilary Duff and Kelly Clarkson videos.
Planet Fun owners Michelle Kakazu and Ryan Kusumoto left the corporate world in search of fun and a change of pace. Both have young children and wanted to establish a business that would serve families. Their establishment opened over Thanksgiving 2005.
"Kids like to karaoke, but it is only available in bars," said Kakazu. At Planet Fun, kids can sing in a nonalcoholic setting. "We created a festive, club-like atmosphere for families. The videos are fully edited and family-friendly."
Their digital karaoke machine stores more than 4,000 songs, from oldies to current hits, Kakazu said. "Kids love it because we are up to date."
Karaoke contests are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month for ages 7 to 17.
"We hope to develop stage presence and performing ability," Kakazu said.
Costumes and props are provided. "Kids love to pick up the mic and sing," Kakazu said. "They are a little shy at first. When they get started, with the Elvis wigs and (inflatable) electric guitars, they let loose."
Kyle Nakamoto, a sixth-grade teacher at Holomua Elementary School, recently brought his kids on a field trip to Planet Fun.
"They had a blast dressing up. They really let loose," he said. "They don't normally get to do that in front of their classmates. Even the shy ones opened up," he said. "There was no shame -- that's why it was fun. You didn't even need to sing great, you could hide behind the costumes."
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Ian Goding, 6, left, plays air sax while Avery Axtell, 7, plays air guitar on the karaoke stage.
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Justin Delfin, site coordinator for the Leeward YMCA intercession program, also brought a group to Planet Fun, although he said the kids, from kindergarten to sixth grade, weren't as interested in singing as in other activities.
"They loved to dress up, more than the singing," Delfin said. "They liked the games more than the karaoke."
Groups may arrange field trips, as well as "back of the house" tours that discuss what it takes to run a business, related career paths and the skills required.
Planet Fun is geared toward high-school students, "tween-agers" and elementary kids who want to be teenagers. "These kids are not babies any more," Kakazu said. "They pick their own clothes, love their video games and want their own hangout."
DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Dana Henry, left, and Landon Kuroda, both 6, have a wild time playing air hockey.
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Building the business was a family affair, explained Kusumoto. His wife, Erin, an elementary school teacher, helped with the educational aspects, and Kakazu's sister, Michelle, a graphic artist, created the logos. "Lots of people helped us out, making it real smooth for us. There is no way we could have done it alone."
Employees, mostly high school and college students, take a course in character education in which Kusumoto and Kakazu introduce workplace values such as honesty, responsibility, organization and team spirit.
"We hear so many complaints that kids nowadays don't have the same work ethic and character," said Kakazu.
"We want them to learn the basic skills of business, the common rules of responsibility in a job," added Kusumoto. "We hope it will help them be successful in whatever they do."
Karaoke costs $2 per song or $4 for dress-up karaoke. Song cards cost $10 for ten songs or five dress-up karaoke songs. On Tuesdays, unlimited free karaoke with a minimum $5 purchase. Call Planet Fun, 671-4411 or 585-PFUN, or visit
www.planetfunusa.com.