Makakilo Lawyers

Clare Hanusz founded Aloha Immigration in June 2017, after working with the Immigration Practice Group at Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert in an Of Counsel affiliation since October 2013.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Clare has lived in Honolulu since 1995 (with an 18-month move to Melbourne, Australia from 2012-2013). After graduating from Ohio University’s Honors Tutorial College in 1991 she moved to Arizona worked for the Valley Religious Task Force on Central America, advocating for immigrants and more just U.S. foreign policies. The opportunity to meet and work with refugees and their attorneys in Arizona propelled Clare...

James J. Stone was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and is thoroughly familiar with Hawaii’s multiple cultures and the needs of Hawaii’s residents and visitors. He attended St. Louis High School and graduated from the University of Hawaii. He was a member of the first graduating class from the University of Hawaii’s school of law, and has over 30 years of experience. See www.nulaw.net for more info on background and services.

Jeremy K. O'Steen has a passion for community safety. Jeremy seeks to raise the bar on safety standards for all by holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable and pursuing justice for his clients. Jeremy has spent the entirety of his legal practice serving individuals and families who have been injured by negligent and wrongful actions of others. When Jeremy first began his legal career in Pennsylvania, he served as an extern for the United States Magistrate Susan E. Schwab in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and later as an associate pursuing civil rights and just...

Kenneth Marcus has over thirty-five years of experience in the areas of commercial real estate development, finance, leasing, purchases and sales. He also has extensive experience in the formation of partnerships and limited liability companies, and corporate finance. His real property practice includes the development, acquisition, sale, financing and restructuring of hotels, office buildings and shopping centers, with particular expertise in the hotel industry.

The Law Office of Gary G. Singh is a high-volume practice providing legal assistance for immigrants on matters ranging from visa applications, adjustment of status, bond, exclusion and removal proceedings. Gary is an active member of the Hawaii Federal Criminal Justice Act panel where he represents clients before the Federal Court. He is fluent in English, Japanese, Malay and Punjabi, and has been a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association since 1995.

Kendal was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, and graduated from the Kamehameha Schools. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and his Juris Doctorate from the Houston College of Law (formerly South Texas College of Law) in Houston, Texas. Kendal is a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association, the HSBA Family Law Section, and the HSBA Bankruptcy Section, the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He is also a member of the Bradley University Chapter of Delta Tau Delta. Kendal and his wife are the...

The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC is a criminal defense firm in Honolulu, Hawaii concentrating in criminal law, military law, civil rights and federal indian law. Criminal and military defense attorney Kevin O'Grady has been a Deputy City Prosecutor, Special Assistant United States Attorney, Chief Prosecutor, Trial Counsel, Senior Trial Counsel, Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy, Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Criminal Procedure and Legal Instructor and Paralegal Instructor in criminal law, evidence and ethics. His career spans more than thirteen years and he has experience on the mainland, in Hawaii and abroad in foreign countries.

As a...

Mitchell S. Wong has been a lawyer in Hawaii since 1991, when he began his career at the law firm of David C. Schutter. At the time, the law firm was known as Schutter & Glickstein, and the focus of the law firm's practice was personal injury and civil litigation. In time, Mr. Wong became a partner at the law firm, which was then restyled as Schutter Dias Smith & Wong. In 2004 Mr. Wong started his present law firm. While Mr. Wong has continued his diverse work in civil litigation, he also expanded his practice to include family...

Amy Lawson Woodward is an associate attorney at the Law Office of William H. Lawson, concentrating her practice in the area of plaintiffs' personal injury litigation. Prior to joining her father's firm in 2016, Ms. Woodward practiced law at Carlsmith Ball LLP (one of the top corporate law firms in Hawaii), focusing predominantly on litigating commercial disputes.

Ms. Woodward is ranked in the "Top 10 Under 40" personal injury attorneys in Hawaii by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA). She has obtained favorable awards for injured individuals at arbitration and successfully advocated for clients in...

Tom Farrell is one of the most experienced and respected family law attorneys in Hawaii. With over 28 years in Hawaiis Family Courts, he is the first and only lawyer in Hawaii to be certified as a family law specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (accredited by the American Bar Association). His practice emphasizes complex divorce litigation and related family law issues such as interstate custody disputes, family violence, child support, alimony claims, and division of assets and debts. A retired Colonel in the Army Reserve and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he understands the special issues confronting military families. Mr. Farrell, also handles national security...

Stephanie E.W. Thompson is a Director of the firm who concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial and real estate civil litigation. Ms. Thompson has assisted in the representation of various clients from multi-million dollar corporations to small businesses and individual interests in legal matters ranging from wrongful termination and unfair competition, to negligence, commercial litigation, general business and trust disputes.

Ms. Thompson is named to the 2020 Best Lawyers in America© list in the practice area of Real Estate Litigation. She holds an "AV Preeminent"® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® for both her skill and integrity. Ms. Thompson was...

My passion, legal skill, and commitment to justice stem from years of work in both the private and non-profit sectors. My primary practice is civil rights and liberties both against the government and employers. If you have been discriminated against, harassed at work, or your liberties have been violated, I want to hear from you. At my firm, we believe in making justice work for our clients through efficient, personalized, and outstanding legal services.

Roman was formerly a partner at a large Honolulu law firm and has extensive employment litigation experience and trial preparation, representing both businesses and employees alike, in federal and state courts and before federal and state agencies.

He is on the Employment Law Arbitration Panel for National Arbitration and Mediation and an Arbitrator for the State of Hawaii's Court Annexed Arbitration Program. He was selected a "Top Rated Lawyer in Labor and Employment" by American Lawyer Media, the nation's largest publisher of legal media, including the National Law Journal, the American Lawyer, and Corporate Counsel....

My name is Ofir Raviv and I am a bankruptcy attorney in Hawaii. My office is in Honolulu, Hawaii but I serve clients on all the Hawaiian Islands.
I love helping people, and once you meet me you may be surprised that I am not from Hawaii but was born and raised in Israel where I attended college. I met my wife who is a local girl, got married and moved back to Hawaii where we have made our home.
After I graduated from UH, I worked as a bankruptcy attorney for one of Hawaii’s most prominent consumer bankruptcy law firms...

I was born and raised in central Missouri and received my bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Missouri in 1996. Following graduation, I moved to Honolulu and attended the University of Hawaii's William S. Richardson School of Law where I received my juris doctorate in 1999. After receiving my JD, I served as a law clerk to the Honorable Victoria S. Marks in the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii. In 2000, I accepted a position as a Deputy Public Defender for the State of Hawaii and began my legal career working...

Scott A. Makuakane has been practicing law in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, asset protection, estate and gift taxation, and probate since 1983.   Mr. Makuakane has written various training manuals and articles for lawyers concerning estate planning, including authoring the Estate Planning Checklist and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax chapters of the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Encyclopedia of Estate Planning. Mr. Makuakane is also a regular contributor to Generations Magazine, a Hawaii-based publication that shares important information and tips for seniors. His column focuses on estate planning issues and is written in an easy to digest non-legalese style.     Scott Makuakane’s...

Rick Abelmann is a bankruptcy attorney admitted to practice in Hawaii and New York. He graduated in economics before entering law school, and worked for both small and large business and firms in the past. Rick previously practiced corporate and securities law in Hong Kong with Clifford Chance, one of the largest law firms in the world, and also spent time working on the trading floor for the equities division of the Wall Street investment bank Morgan Stanley. He worked on transactions valued at hundreds of millions of dollars on a regular basis. Honolulu bankruptcy attorney ...

Nathan Natori has been practicing law in Hawaii since 1992, and has represented clients running the gamut from state and county agencies, large corporations (Nextel, The Queen's Health System, Holland America Line, Kaiser Permanente), and local families and individuals. Whether big or small, each client is important to Mr. Natori and receives the same level of service. Timely responses from an attorney who cares and whom you can trust is what you will receive at Natori Law Office LLLC.

As a former Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii Law School and former Chairman of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Hawaii Chapter, Mr. Ma was previously appointed the Trade Representative of the State of Hawaii in Hong Kong and China for U.S.-inbound investment.

Terence O’Toole is a director of the Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher law firm. He manages the firm’s litigation department and has over forty years experience in the area of commercial and complex litigation. Mr. O'Toole holds Martindale-Hubbell's highest possible professional rating (AV Preeminent) given by legal peers, based on their knowledge of his work, reputation and integrity.

Mr. Tran is an experienced attorney dedicated to the practice of immigration and nationality law. He has fought for and protected the rights of large companies and individuals alike. Following his professional affiliations with solo practitioners, small to mid-sized firms, and non-profit organizations, Mr. Tran founded his own private practice to continue his goal of promoting and advocating immigrant rights.

As an attorney and counselor at law, Christopher D. Thomas has founded his practice on the principles of assertive, energetic, yet personable representation of clients who face the most difficult of legal challenges. Chris understands the daunting tasks facing those he represents, and approaches these problems with the most proactive and resourceful strategies available. He knows that clients want real results, want them quickly, and in the most cost-effective manner possible. Whether via aggressive courtroom litigation, use of alternative dispute resolution, or just practical down to earth advice, success is founded by moving boldly forward to resolution in the...

Ron Heller has been practicing law in Hawaii for over 30 years, concentrating on tax litigation, tax law, and business disputes, primarily dealing with accounting and financial issues. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant as well as an attorney. Mr. Heller is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel, and a past Chair of the Tax Section of the Hawaii State Bar Association. He has litigated tax cases at the county, state, and federal levels. In addition to tax cases, Ron has represented clients ranging from individual sole proprietors to multi-national corporations in a wide variety...

I am an experienced criminal defense attorney on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii providing legal representation in all courts throughout the Hawaiian Islands and to military members anywhere in the world. I am admitted to practice law in California and Hawaii. The focus of my practice is defending civilians and servicemembers accused of a crime. However, I have a full service practice and you do not need to search any further for an attorney to represent you in any matter.

John O’Connell is a lawyer, Commercial Pilot (Single-Multi Engine Land and Sea with Instrument Rating) and an experienced scuba diver (certified advanced open water) who has been litigating general aviation cases, scuba diving, personal injury and complex product liability cases for the past thirty five years. He is a passionate advocate and nationally recognized as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction, Top American Lawyers, The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Trial Masters, Keenan Trial Institute – Master’s Graduate, and is a verified Multi-Million Dollar Advocate.

He is admitted...

Dennis W. Potts was born in Santa Monica, California, December 17, 1945. He was admitted to the California and Hawai’i state Bars in 1971. He has practiced before the state courts of California and Hawai’i, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai’i, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.A resident of Hawai’i for more than 45 years, Attorney Dennis W. Potts has been providing legal representation to the state of Hawai’i for over 40 years. Attorney Potts is dedicated to providing his...

Since obtaining his J.D. from the University of Hawaii in 2005, Honolulu divorce attorney Justin L. Sturdivant has focused his practice on family law matters. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Sturdivant has worked as a Civil Litigator, Mediator, Custody Evaluator, and Guardian Ad Litem. These experiences have provided him with great insight into the way the family court system functions. All of Mr. Sturdivant’s knowledge and training goes on to benefit his clients. He takes great pride in his work and fully dedicates himself to achieving the best outcome possible in a timely manner. You schedule a free, no-obligation consultation...

Ms. Hirota began her law practice in Ohio as an associate with Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, a large law firm in Cincinnati. After practicing immigration law in Ohio for two years, Ms. Hirota returned to her family in Hawaii and joined Lynch & Farmer in 1997. She was named a partner of Lynch Ichida Thompson Kim & Hirota in 2002 and left that firm to found Hirota & Associates in 2009. Ms. Hirota’s practice concentrates solely in U.S. Immigration and Nationality law. Ms. Hirota is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, having served on the following...

Practice limited to representing Federal civil service employees with adverse action, discrimination, security clearance revocation, whistle-blower reprisal, and related labor/employment claims before the MSPB, EEOC, OSC, and mediators/arbitrators. Elbridge W. Smith concentrates almost exclusively in representing individual federal employees, primarily handling MSPB and other appeals, EEO complaints and defenses, at the administrative and federal court levels. He has been in private practice since 1977, with firms concentrating in civil rights and employment litigation, representing various federal and private sector unions and their employees. Mr. Smith is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Hawai'i, Richardson School of Law. He...

Grace, an alumna of Punahou School, attained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the esteemed University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Subsequently, she pursued her Juris Doctorate at the William S. Richardson School of Law, also situated at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. During her time at the WSR School of Law, Grace made significant contributions as a research assistant, collaborating with a professor on matters concerning family law. Additionally, she actively participated in internships at various family law offices and with Volunteer Legal Services Hawai’i. Within these internships, she engaged with both the Family Law Section of the Hawai’i...

Richard Turbin, Esq. is a Honolulu personal injury attorney and a partner at the firm Turbin Chu Heidt, Attorneys at Law. Mr. Turbin has been in private practice for nearly four decades. Attorney Turbin is a graduate of Harvard Law School, and was recently recognized as a Traphagen Distinguished Alumni. He is a former president of the Hawaii State Bar Association. In 1999 and 200, Mr. Turbin served as a chair of the American Bar Association’s Trial and Insurance Practice Section, which has over 40,000 members. Mr. Turbin has also won the section’s 2006 Pursuit of Justice of Award. His...

The Hawaii criminal law firm of Harrison & Matsuoka, handles felonies and misdemeanors, drug crimes, sex crimes, white-collar crimes, murder, assaults, gun charges, and domestic violence cases. We have extensive experience in Federal Court, State Court, and Military Courts. Harrison & Matsuoka cares more than just about the case, we care about our clients. Facing a criminal conviction can be devastating to an individual's life, job, reputation, and family. We understand that this experience is traumatic and we are resolved to handle your case in a sensitive matter and by endeavoring to keep your case matter confidential. You can expect...

Mr. Thomas graduated from the University of Florida in 1984 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida College of Law in December 1987. He became a member of the California Bar in 1988. With over 1,500 cases and 26 years of experience in every type of investment case Mr. Thomas has a proven track record of success. As an advocate for investors Mr. Thomas utilizes his extensive experience and knowledge of the securities and commodities markets as a former licensed Series 7 stockbroker and Series 3 commodities broker with Shearson Lehman Brothers. His professional memberships include the...