Real Estate

"Best Law Firms®", Tier 1 Hawaii Real Estate Attorneys

Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher is a Honolulu-based real estate law firm built on a foundation of focus and experience in, but not limited to, Hawaii real estate law. Our transactional attorneys represent owners, developers, buyers and sellers of developed and undeveloped real estate property in Hawaii, the US mainland and internationally.

Each member of the transactional team has been rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®, by their peers for achieving the highest standards in professional ethics, integrity and legal knowledge. Members of the team have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America©, Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, and selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list.

Our goal is to provide innovative solutions and powerful negotiations in all aspects of complex real estate transactions.

Hawaii real estate attorneys at our firm have opened doors for domestic and international business, hotel and resort and development clients by helping them navigate Hawaii’s complex land use and permitting laws.

Hawaii real estate transactional services include drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, strategic advice to buyers and sellers, assistance with structuring transactions and financing, conveyances, security instruments, negotiations for the issuance of title insurance and endorsements, conducting and coordinating complex due diligence investigations, interfacing with labor and tax counsel, and working with escrow companies through closing.

Our law firm also represents landlords and tenants in a variety of leasing matters involving commercial leases. We draft and negotiate ground leases, development leases, retail leases and office space leases.

Results Focused Hawaii Real Estate Law Attorneys

DIRECTORS

Trevor A. Brown is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© for both business and litigation matters, named “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, selected to the “Top 25” Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, in Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business and Chambers High Net Worth Guide and named a “Litigation Star” by Benchmark Litigation. Mr. Brown is often called upon to work on client matters that require business and litigation strategy. Mr. Brown has particular expertise in working with trust related matters, and has successfully represented many clients in matters that required both transactional and litigation experience.

Norman H.Y.Cheng is Managing Director of the firm. Mr. Cheng has been named to The Best Lawyers in America© list, selected to the “Top 25” Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, is in Chambers and Partners USA Directory of Leading Lawyers for Business. Mr. Cheng is rated AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell’s® highest rating possible for his skill and integrity. He practices in the area of real estate law, and participates on many non-profit boards.

Duane R. Fisher has been recognized as a “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Business Organizations (Including LLCs and Partnerships), selected to the “Top 25”, Hawaii Super Lawyers® list and recognized by Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, for Real Estate and Corporate Law.

Ivan M. Lui-Kwan has been named a “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America©, in the practice area of Government Relations Practice, is selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® list and has a long standing AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. Mr. Lui-Kwan was the recipient of the 2014 “Lifetime Achievement Award”, given by Pacific Edge Magazine. Mr. Lui-Kwan was volunteer chairman for Hawaii’s largest public works project, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART).

Kenneth B. Marcus has been selected to the “Top 25”, Hawaii Super Lawyers® list, in Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, and named "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu, by The Best Lawyers in America© for his work in Real Estate Law. Mr. Marcus is highly respected for his expertise in structuring complex hotel management agreements and authored the chapter for the Hawaii State Bar Association Real Estate Manual. He is a member of the prestigious International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC). Mr. Marcus served as vice chairman of the State of Hawaii Stadium Authority from 2004 to 2012, and has served as an officer and board member for numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Christina N. Ohira has been named to The Best Lawyers in America© list, selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® Rising Star list, and has received Martindale-Hubbell's® highest possible AV Preeminent® rating for her legal skill and integrity. Ms. Ohira concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate and commercial transactions.

Lindsay E. Orman has been named to The Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch list, rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® "Rising Star" list in the practice area of Real Estate Law each year since 2018. Ms. Orman represents clients in the areas of real estate acquisitions and sales, development, land use, permitting and entitlements issues, and other real estate and title matters. She is a member of the Hawaii State Bar’s Real Property and Financial Services Section and a member of NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association.

Sara S.T. Strona has been named to The Best Lawyers in America©: Ones to Watch list, selected to the Hawaii Super Lawyers® “Rising Star” list and is rated AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell’s® highest rating possible for her skill and integrity. Ms. Strona represents clients in the areas of real estate purchases and sales, leasing, development, and land use. Her practice also includes commercial transactions and business formation and structuring. She is admitted to the Hawaii Bar, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law.

ASSOCIATES

Andrew R. Crosby focuses his practice in the areas of real estate law, commercial transactions and corporate law. Mr. Crosby is admitted to the Hawaii Bar.

Lauren K.O. Kagawa has been selected to the 2021 Hawaii Super Lawyers® “Rising Star” list. Ms.Kagawa focuses her practice in the areas of real estate and commercial transactions. She earned her Juris Doctor from University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law, graduating with honors. Ms. Kagawa is admitted to the Hawaii Bar.

Nicole H. Kim concentrates her practice in the areas of real estate law, commercial transactions and corporate law. Ms. Kim earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law. During law school, Ms. Kim was Technical Editor of the University of Hawaii Law Review and Staff Editor of the Asian-Pacific Law and Policy Journal.

Real Estate Law Practice Areas

Commercial Leasing
Complex Real Estate Transactions
Conveyance & Security Instruments
Due Diligence Investigations
Escrow Transactions
Landlord-Tenant Lease Negotiation
Land Use Zoning
Leasehold Transactions
Financing
Strategic Advice to Buyers and Sellers
Title Insurance and Endorsements
Trust Matters
Purchase and Sale Agreements

What People Say:

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is a firm (and most importantly partner, Duane Fisher) I've used both personally and professionally for over 13 years and I couldn't ever think of using another firm. Duane is knowledgeable, creative, responsive and a great problem solver. Rates are fair for the product delivered and I really couldn't be happier. I can't say the same for many other firms I've used for specialty work over the years. I received top notch service from Duane and any other colleagues I've ever worked with. I recommend them without hesitation."
-Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Absolutely outstanding! Great strategy and always very calm “under fire”. Imaginative at finding solutions to complex problems. Amazing attention to the smallest detail. In my Many decades of working with many law firms in the state I can honestly say that none of them rivals the Starn firm in the overall quality of their work product and professionalism."
-Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Very commercial mindset with an excellent style communicating a thorough understanding without being overly complicated."
-Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"My experience working with Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher goes back 37 years, beginning with Peter Starn. Our business engages in master leases as well as our own sublease division, therefore their partnership is significant to our continued business success."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"We use Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher for a broad variety of work in Hawaii, and they are a great business partner. They are very practical in their orientation and look to find efficient and effective solutions to thorny problems. They are incredibly well-versed in the law and also well-connected to key government agencies and officials."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has been our Hawaiian counsel for four years. They provided excellent work and advice through a very complex real estate transaction and continue to do great work in business-related work."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"My experience with Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has been excellent. The responses are prompt and thorough. I could not be happier with the service. I am very pleased and thankful."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"In my 37+ year practicing as an in-house counsel within my industry with 21+ years as a Division General Counsel, I can wholeheartedly recommend Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher as one of the best I have ever worked with."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"I have worked with various law firms throughout the country for 40 Years and never found a group better to work with than at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is incredibly responsive and forthcoming with advice and guidance."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher provides excellent support, an excellent understanding of our concerns and a superb performance. We have appreciated their leadership in addressing our concerns. As a non-profit, we found them to be responsive and fair."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"The Starn Team has always been on point and super responsive when assisting with our RE legal issues. In one instance specifically, their team was able to reach a resolve and pivot the direction of a case within hours of taking over the project that had been stalled for months. Within weeks, we had a settlement that saved everyone countless hours and frustration."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is a great firm, and I thoroughly enjoy working with the firm's lawyers. The lawyers are incredibly responsive, easy to work with and extremely knowledgeable. The lawyers are well-connected within the local community and provide great insights into the practical realities of the Hawaii legal and governmental environment and are excellent at obtaining reasonable outcomes on an expeditious basis. They are not afraid of thorny issues. Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is a highly valued business partner."
-Best Law Firms Client Comment

Practice Areas

Distinctions

What People Say About Us

"Our experience, and our results, in working with Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has been outstanding. Their team of skilled attorneys offers expertise across a range of practice areas and exhibits a high level of professionalism, responsiveness and savvy. I would highly recommend."
Best Law Firms, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher's Duane Fisher is ethical, highly effective, and client focused. He, and his partners, are ideal partners."
Best Law Firms, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is an outstanding, professional, meticulous and knowledgeable team that works with their clients to achieve successful outcomes and legal victories, which is exactly what you want when you are litigating."
Best Law Firms, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is quick to respond, knowledgeable, thorough, ethical and professional. Very enjoyable to work with this team of lawyers."
Best Law Firms, Client Comment

"Navigating our leasing and real estate needs with the Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher law firm has been a testament to collaborative excellence! Their team's understanding of legal intricacies and unwavering commitment to and support of our company's objectives have ensured precision and success. Working alongside such a reputable and dependable team has truly been a pleasure. They are professional and reliable, producing outstanding results for our organization. We are very thankful for all they do and continue to do!"
Best Law Firms, Client Comment

"Real estate is a particularly challenging area of law because bad decisions could lead to large, long-lasting and expensive consequences. I have come to trust the Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher firm to really have my best interest in mind in all of my dealings with them. They have deep experience in such a variety of situations that I always feel I'm getting the absolute best advice rooted in real-world experience from their team."
Best Law Firms, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has excellent lawyers. They are great advisors, and are very professional and polished."
The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Very commercial mindset with an excellent style communicating a thorough understanding without being overly complicated."
The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"They have helped us with numerous land use and zoning situations. Their advice has helped us navigate the complex regulatory environment in Hawaii."
The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is an excellent and responsive firm that understands business needs and issues."
The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"The best attorneys are at this firm. They are sensitive to the client's needs, most professional and won all of my litigation cases. I would highly recommend this law firm."
The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"The thing that really makes them stand out is their business advisory capabilities — they are very insightful about the business side of real estate acquisitions."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They always communicated and followed through. They were very thorough and detail-oriented."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They're thorough, have very quick response times and are very knowledgeable."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They have a culture of great character, discipline, efficiency, and thoughtful and creative problem solving."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"Their approach to client service is absolutely what a client should seek in a law firm. The advice is broad-picture and wise, while ensuring that the salient points of any situation do not get ignored."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They are fantastic. Thorough, thoughtful problem solvers. The service is commensurate to the solutions and value provided," say clients.
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

“Excellent client service and an ‘invaluable knowledge of local legal precedents and customs’ make Kenneth Marcus a popular choice for real estate counsel.” As an active member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants, hotel management is an important area of his focus.
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

Duane Fisher “provides locally tailored advice to international hotel chains as well as Hawaiian real estate developers and property owners. Sources praise his ‘strong work ethic,’ describing him as: ‘A good partner and adviser.’”
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

“Clients single out Norman Cheng as a ‘very smart guy, extremely sharp and good at presenting positions.’ He advises on the transactional, construction and operational aspects pertaining to tourist and leisure developments.”
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

Kenneth Marcus is described by sources as "a fantastic all-rounder" and "the complete package" when it comes to transactional real estate. His expertise in real estate acquisitions and leasing matters is highly sought after by clients based in Hawaii and on the US mainland
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

Duane Fisher has a wealth of experience handling major acquisitions and providing guidance to leading developer clients in regard to their operations in Hawaii.
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

The "excellent" Norman Cheng "understands how to get a deal to completion," say sources.
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"Transactions would either not be possible, or not nearly as successful as they are if Starn O'Toole were not my counsel."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"Unbelievable work and skill."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"A client notes: "The quality of their partners and associates is just amazing. They are really, really smart people who are embedded in the community and who do what they say they're going to do. They're five stars."
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They are as good as it gets for solving my real estate needs.”
Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment