Those weapons, ranging from rifles to berettas, are a part of Airsoft combat games where weapons fire plastic BBs, and if a competitor is not well protected, the projectiles can leave marks on him.

"If you're really protected then you won't get any welts," said Tachibana, 11, who dons on sweats, long pants, a protective face mask and covered shoes when playing.

Interest in Airsoft has been growing in the state, evident with an expected 350-plus turnout at the July 10 Ash Bash in Nanakuli.

Airsoft Hawai'i, the oldest Airsoft club in the country at 17 years, will be hosting the biggest turnout for an Airsoft event in the state.

"It's a sport where everyone is equal," said Grant Woo, one of the co-owners of Impact Games in 'Aiea. "Men, women, kids ... it's a pretty good sport for growing friendships, team building and working with each other."

Tachibana, who also likes Xbox shooting games, said his friends break up into two groups with one hiding out in the tree house. He remembered using a tin pan once to defend himself from those at "higher elevation" and strategizes before they play.

"Before we play, I always check out the area and think of strategies on what to do," Tachibana said.

Once, his strategy worked as he was able sneak around and surprise his opponents from behind the tree house.

GRANT WOO

The guns, which are basically modeled after actual firearms, are probably the selling factor of Airsoft. Peter Du, owner of Power Edge in Kaimuki, said that if the guns don't look authentic, people don't buy it.

Despite orange markers on the gun that distinguish them from the real thing, Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris passed two bills last summer that required replica guns to be carried in cases in public and making it illegal to draw or brandish replica guns in front of a police officer. They are also banned from public areas such as parks or schools.

"Most important is law and safety," Du said. "You need to be over 18 to purchase it and if you are under 18, they need to have a parent and guardian with them. We also need a picture ID, regardless if they're 60, 45, 18 or whatever, we make a copy."

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BEST SHOT What: Ash Bash When: Saturday, July 10 Where: Airsoft Hawai'i Field in Nanakuli Registration: The last day to register is tomorrow at Impact Games in 'Aiea and Power Edge in Kaimuki. Bestsellers: At Impact Games and Power Edge, the bestseller is the M4, which is similar to rifles used by the military. At Impact Games, other bestsellers include the MP5, a SWAT team like rifle and G36, a futuristic looking rifle used in movies like "Resident Evil" and "Equilibrium." Information: www.airsofthawaii.com.

"It has become popular because it's more economical than other games like paintball," Woo said. "Other people like the look and feel of the equipment."

Du said his customers are repeat buyers, the average owning about four guns while one has 30.

There are two theories to the origin of Airsoft. One is that it started with BB gun manufacturer Daisy, the other that it originated from Japan. While Airsoft is becoming popular on the Mainland, Woo said the state's close ties with Japan, where most Airsoft equipment is made, has kept local interest for a long time.

Airsoft has become popular amongst teenage boys, young adults and also fathers and sons.

"There's a lot of father-son groups coming out," Woo said. "There is a lot of whole families too where mothers and sisters play along."

Du said this interest amongst teens have taught some of them to become more responsible.

"Parents come over and ask if they should buy it," Du said. "I tell them 'you have to know your kids.' If you think your kid is responsible to own that around the house and if they feel OK, then buy it."