Cutting-edge entrepreneur plans to introduce karaoke to islands

Japanese businessman Kaito Suzuki was on Maui this week to rally support for his latest business venture. The 45-year-old entrepreneur wants to open a bar that plays popular music and lets patrons sing along on stage.

“It’s super hot right now back home,” said Suzuki. “The kids love the karaoke. It’s the next big thing!”

Suzuki held a meeting with local investors at the Maui Karaoke Room in Wailuku, which he said in hindsight “may not have been such a good idea.” Several investors remarked that the Wailuku business and Suzuki's idea appeared “strikingly similar.”

“I just saw the place in the phone book and thought it sounded like an appropriate place to meet,” said Suzuki.

Suzuki, who said his trip to Hawaii was the first time he’d ever left Kyoto, dismissed any similarities between his vision and what one inebriated local was doing when the DJ fired up “Roxanne” by The Police.

“My business let’s people sing songs that others are familiar with. I have no idea what that guy was doing. He sounded ill.”

Though the meeting ended without any capital being secured, the idealist remained optimistic.

“I still believe we can bring karaoke to the whole state. I’m sure my idea will go over great in Waikiki!”

Suzuki has been attached to at least one failed business venture – an ice company that catered to Eskimos – but he’s convinced karaoke will eventually find its way to Hawaii.

“As long as nobody gets drunk, sings out of tune or makes an ass out of themselves it will be fine.”