has provided legal expertise in Hawaii for 50 years.
We have a diverse civil practice with emphasis in all aspects of real property law and civil litigation. Specific areas of practice include real estate, corporate and partnership matters, commercial litigation, bankruptcy, taxation, trusts and estate planning, environmental, land use, condemnation, health care, employment, family, commercial, technology, banking and finance law... More
The Latest News from the Firm
Conversing about Foreclosures (1/06/2012)
A&W partner Frank Hogan was featured on the January 6, 2012 edition of "The Conversation" on Hawaii Public Radio. Mr. Hogan discussed the continuing challenges faced by local lenders as a result of recent changes to Hawaii's foreclosure law. "We tried to convince the legislature last year," Mr. Hogan explained, "that this was not a one size fits all kind of problem with a one size fits all solution." For example, in 2010 local non-profit credit unions only foreclosed on 22 mortgages throughout the state. Yet, they are treated the same as large for-profit mainland-based lenders under Hawaii's new foreclosure law. Because of these new requirements, it makes it increasingly difficult for small lenders to cost-effectively recover the losses that they sustain when a borrower stops paying their mortgage. Ultimately, Mr. Hogan noted, these losses will be borne by the credit union's members. To listen to "The Conversation" click here.
Defending Landowner Rights (1/06/2012)
The Intermediate Court of Appeals has affirmed the entry of summary judgment in favor of landowner First United Methodist Church in one of the last mandatory leasehold condemnation cases attempted under ROH Chapter 38. (Read the opinion). At issue in the case was whether there were sufficient, qualified owner-occupants within the Admiral Thomas condominium necessary to support a condemnation of the Church's fee interest. Among other things, the Lessees argued that the Court should overlook the failure to strictly comply with the statutory requirements and apply its equitable powers to order the the condemnation. The Court rejected this argument and also ordered that the matter should be remanded to the trial court for a further determination as to the total damages sustained by the Church as a result of the failed condemnation. The Church was represented in this matter by a team of A&W attorneys led by James K. Mee, who was recognized by Honolulu Magazine as the 2011 Eminent Domain and Condemnation Lawyer of the Year.
Aoki Tapped To Decide Contested Case Hearing for Thirty Meter Telescope (8/15/2011)
A&W partner Paul Aoki is serving as the hearings officer for a contested case hearing involving a proposal to construct a Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. Read more here.
Graham Elected to American College of Real Estate Lawyers (8/3/2011)
A&W partner Bruce Graham was recently elected to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, which is the premier organization of U.S. real estate laywers. Admission to ACREL is by invitation only and involves a particularly rigorous screening process. According to ACREL, its distinguished members are recognized for their "outstanding legal ability, experience and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of real estate law."
Over $350,000 in Real Property Tax Savings (7/28/2011)
A&W partner Rosemary Fazio successfully represented Lowe's HIW, Inc. in a real property tax appeal.The non-confidential settlement resulted in real property tax savings of $356,944.00 for the client. Ms. Fazio worked closely with local appraiser James Hallstrom on the project. She noted that the available "evidence provided ample justification for the substantial tax savings." Ms. Fazio added,"the key is being able to identify the pertinent data and then present that in a compelling manner."
