Hawaii Real Estate Development Law

Legal expertise to navigate the complexities of development in Hawaii.

The development of new residential, commercial, resort and mixed-use projects in Hawaii can be a confusing process. Having the right lawyer on your side truly matters. Imanaka Asato’s real estate attorneys represent many of the state’s largest and most active developers. For over 40 years, we have provided innovative and timely solutions for a variety of developers, owners and lenders with complex legal needs.

Our highly experienced attorneys represent developers in investigating, acquiring, entitling and selling complex projects throughout Hawaii. From concept to build and beyond, we provide strategic guidance and legal counsel, including advice on structuring, negotiating, documenting and financing real estate transactions.

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Or speak to an Attorney: 1 (808) 521-9500
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Our Founding Partners

Mitchell A. Imanaka

Founding Partner

A founding partner and the managing principal of Imanaka Asato LLLC, Mr. Imanaka has been active in representing developers, lenders and other real estate industry stakeholders for over forty years. He continues to be a prominent and recognized leader in Hawaii’s real estate development and business community.

Richard T. Asato, Jr.

Founding Partner

Mr. Asato’s areas of practice include general real estate development, commercial financing and community association financing. From property acquisition, to development, to the sale of the end product to the ultimate consumer, Mr. Asato guides his clients through Hawaii’s complex regulatory framework to facilitate success.


Our Services

  • Real Estate Development
  • Financing
  • Hotel and Resort Acquisition & Development
  • Condominiums
  • Vacation Ownership Programs
  • Subdivision Development & Registration
  • Golf Course Development
  • Regulatory Compliance & Advocacy

A proven record of success.

Azure Ala Moana

Real Estate Development and Finance

"The lawyers at Imanaka Asato were invaluable in helping us to navigate the entitlement and approval process to enable us to develop and sell units in our project. We got the approvals we needed in a timely fashion, and could not have done it without their expertise and wise counsel."

William Chen, Assistant Director, ProsPac Holdings Group, LLC

Avalon Group

Real Estate Development and Finance

"Imanaka Asato is our partner in real estate legal and legislative matters. The legal team is smart, up to date, and highly experienced. I also appreciate their team approach with a deep bench that allows our project to be properly resourced for timely completion. They are able to help fashion very creative legal solutions to complex issues and problems. They are leaders in their field, and valuable members of our team."

Christine Camp, President & CEO, Avalon Development Company

Timbers Resorts - Kauai

Real Estate Development and Finance

“Their firm has performed miracles for us. The lawyers are knowledgeable, attentive and very effective at securing what we need to pursue our project in Hawaii. We have been fortunate to have secured their services.”

Greg Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Timbers Resorts

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Our Industry Insights

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Hawaii Supreme Court Limits Chapter 201H Exemption Authority

The Hawaii Supreme Court, in its Protect and Preserve Kahoma Ahupua'a Association v. Maui Planning Commission opinion issued has, for the first time, provided guidance to the applicability of the permitting exemptions set forth in Chapter 201H of the Hawaii Revised Statutes ...

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