The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Kaunakakai, HI
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Kaunakakai, Hawaii. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Kaunakakai
Keith S. Shigetani
Law Office of Keith S. Shigetani
Keith S. Shigetani is a dedicated local attorney based in Kaunakakai, serving the entire island of Molokai with over 12 years of experience in real estate law. He specializes in residential and commercial property transactions, title issues, and land use disputes, offering personalized legal services rooted in deep community ties. Known for his attentive client approach and successful outcomes in complex real estate matters, he has built a strong reputation for reliability and expertise in Molokai's unique legal landscape.
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Scott T. Kushi
Kushi Law Office
Scott T. Kushi is a highly respected real estate attorney with over 18 years of experience serving clients across Maui County, including Molokai residents. He focuses on residential and commercial real estate transactions, title insurance, and land use issues, with a track record of successful case resolutions and high client satisfaction. His firm is renowned for its client-centered approach, efficiency, and deep knowledge of Hawaiian real estate laws, making him a top choice for Molokai-based clients.
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Michael S. Zola
Zola Law Group
Michael S. Zola is an accomplished real estate attorney with over 22 years of experience, providing comprehensive legal services to clients across Hawaii, including Molokai. He excels in complex real estate transactions, litigation, and property development matters, leveraging his extensive expertise to achieve favorable outcomes. His firm is recognized for its professionalism, high success rates, and commitment to client satisfaction, with a statewide reputation for handling diverse real estate issues efficiently.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local knowledge should a real estate attorney in Kaunakakai have for a residential purchase?
An attorney here should be deeply familiar with Molokai's unique land tenure systems, such as Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) leases and kuleana land rights, which are common on the island. They must also understand County of Maui zoning specific to rural Molokai, well water rights, and any covenants or restrictions tied to the property's history.
How can a Kaunakakai real estate attorney help with a transaction involving an 'ohana (family) land parcel?
They are crucial for navigating the complexities of co-ownership, often involving multiple heirs (successors in interest) who may live off-island. The attorney can help draft a formal partition agreement, establish clear rights of use, and ensure the transaction complies with Hawaii's partition statutes and any family court requirements to prevent future disputes.
Are there unique title issues a real estate attorney should check for on Molokai properties?
Yes, absolutely. A local attorney will conduct a thorough title search for ancient claims, unrecorded kuleana rights, and old sugar plantation easements. They are essential for identifying any issues with the Land Court (Torrens) system versus the Regular system, which is critical given Molokai's history of land consolidation and redistribution.
What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a standard residential closing in Kaunakakai?
Fees can vary, but you can typically expect a flat fee ranging from $1,500 to $3,500+, depending on the transaction's complexity (e.g., DHHL leasehold adds complexity). This is often in addition to title insurance and escrow fees. Always get a written fee agreement upfront, as local attorneys may have different structures than mainland practices.
When is a real estate attorney in Kaunakakai necessary for a boundary dispute or easement issue?
Given the rural nature of Molokai and often vague historical boundaries, an attorney is vital if a dispute arises over fence lines, beach access, or agricultural water ditches. They can review historical surveys, negotiate with neighboring landowners, and if needed, file quiet title or declaratory relief actions in the Maui County court system to legally resolve the issue.
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