The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Pahoa, HI
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Pahoa, Hawaii. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Pahoa
Yvonne M. I. Aiu
Law Offices of Yvonne M. I. Aiu
Yvonne Aiu is a highly respected real estate attorney serving the entire Big Island, including Pahoa. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, land use planning, and property title matters. Her practice is known for handling complex real estate issues specific to Hawaii's unique land laws and regulations. Clients consistently praise her thoroughness, knowledge of local property laws, and ability to navigate challenging real estate situations. She has extensive experience with Hawaii's Land Court and Regular System land titles.
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Mark K. Morita
Kessner Duca Umebayashi Bain & Matsunaga
Mark Morita is a seasoned real estate attorney with Kessner Duca Umebayashi Bain & Matsunaga, one of the most established law firms on the Big Island. With two decades of experience, he handles a wide range of real estate matters including residential purchases, commercial transactions, and land use approvals. His firm has deep roots in Hawaii County and regularly serves clients in Pahoa and surrounding areas. Morita is particularly skilled at navigating Hawaii's complex land division and zoning regulations, making him an excellent choice for both simple transactions and complex real estate developments.
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Steven K. Miyazaki
Matsumoto & Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLLC
Steven Miyazaki of Matsumoto & Associates provides comprehensive real estate legal services to clients throughout the Big Island, including Pahoa. With over 12 years of experience, he specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, foreclosure defense, and property dispute resolution. His practice is known for handling complex real estate matters with particular expertise in Hawaii's unique property laws and regulations. Miyazaki receives consistent praise for his attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly to clients. The firm has built a strong reputation for serving rural communities across Hawaii Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to hire a local Pahoa real estate attorney familiar with Hawaii's unique land laws?
Hawaii has a complex land tenure system, including leasehold properties, native Hawaiian rights, and specific state regulations that differ from the mainland. A local Pahoa attorney understands issues pertinent to the Puna district, such as lava flow zones (Lava Zone 1 & 2), permitting challenges on volcanic land, and county-specific rules that can drastically impact property use and ownership.
What specific services should I expect from a Pahoa real estate attorney when buying a home in the Puna district?
Beyond standard contract review and title work, a Pahoa attorney should conduct thorough due diligence on lava hazard zones, check for any easements or rights-of-way unique to the area, verify the status of cesspools versus septic systems (a common Big Island issue), and ensure compliance with Hawaii's Seller's Disclosure of Information and Land Court or Regular System titles, which govern land records differently.
How can a Pahoa attorney help with issues related to ohana dwellings or unpermitted structures, which are common in the area?
A local attorney can navigate Hawaii County's permitting process to help legalize existing structures or advise on the risks and potential liabilities of unpermitted work. They understand the specific codes for the Puna district and can guide you on options for ohana units, which may have different requirements than mainland accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including potential impacts on property taxes.
What are typical fee structures for real estate attorneys in Pahoa, Hawaii, and are they required for all transactions?
While not legally required for all transactions, using an attorney is highly recommended. Fees are often a flat rate for standard transactions like home purchases, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000+, or an hourly rate for complex matters. Costs can be higher for leasehold property conversions, boundary disputes involving old lava flows, or transactions involving the Hawaii Land Court, which has a specialized registration process.
Can a Pahoa real estate attorney assist with land use issues for agricultural or residential properties in the rural Puna area?
Yes, absolutely. A local attorney can advise on Hawaii County's zoning codes, which dictate land use in agricultural (A), residential (R), and rural (RA) zones prevalent around Pahoa. They can help with applications for variances, understanding water catchment system regulations, negotiating access over unimproved roads (common in subdivisions), and compliance with state laws protecting certain agricultural lands.
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