Craig G. Nakamura

Craig G. Nakamura

Wailuku, HI recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013
Carlsmith Ball LLP

28 Best Lawyers awards

Carlsmith Ball LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Land Use and Zoning Law Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Commercial Litigation Litigation - Construction Litigation - Land Use and Zoning Litigation - Real Estate Real Estate Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Honolulu.

Biography

Craig G. Nakamura is the Administrative Partner in the firm's Maui Office and is a member of the Litigation practice group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate and general corporate law. Mr. Nakamura has extensive experience in commercial real estate, civil litigation, construction disputes, foreclosures, mediation and arbitration. He was recently selected by attorney peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018 in the fields of Litigation - Real Estate and Real Estate Law.

Representative Matters

Leasing Represents landlords, tenants and property management companies in lease transactions including shopping centers, ground leases, warehouses, offices and residential leases. Work involves drafting and negotiating lease documents, negotiating debt cure, filing eviction actions and collection of debts.

Hotels and Restaurants Worked with numerous restaurants, including international chains and franchises in all aspects of doing business on Maui, including leasing, construction contracts, various construction permits, liquor licensing and mechanics liens.

Real Estate Litigation Represents numerous individuals and companies in real property disputes including quiet title and partitions, boundary disputes, accretion, easements, construction contracts, building defects, mechanics liens and realtor claims. Represented commercial lessors in cases involving bankruptcy filing by retail lessees. Worked to assure payment of post-petition rents and return of lease premises or assignment of lease.

Real Property Development Represents developers in all phases of project management. Work involves land use concerns, planning and approval of subdivisions, licensing and permitting requirements at the state and local levels, and community relations.

Licenses and Permits Assists clients in obtaining a wide variety of licenses and permits from government agencies, including liquor licenses, commercial harbor licenses, conditional use permits, shoreline setback variances, historic district permits, conservation district use permits and special management area use permits, among others.

Corporate All phases of corporate work including purchases and sales of large and small companies, formation and continuing representation of all types of entities. Advising board of directors on fiduciary duties, and handling of shareholders meetings. Representation in disputes and litigation among shareholders, partners and buyers/sellers of businesses.

Banks Assists banks, other financial institutions and individuals with enforcement of promissory notes from borrowers. Provided advice, documentation and negotiation prior to and during collection and foreclosure proceedings. Represented banks and credit unions in numerous foreclosure actions.

Probate/Guardianships Assists with the administering of estates of various sizes, including will contests, and establishing guardianships for minors and others needing assistance.

Distinctions

  • Selected by attorney peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America 2016 in the field of Litigation - Real Estate and in Real Estate Law; listed in the publication since 2013.

Affiliations

  • Maui County Bar Association
  • Hawai‘i State Bar Association
  • State Bar of California (Admitted to Practice - Inactive Status)
Carlsmith Ball LLP

28 Best Lawyers awards

Carlsmith Ball LLP logo

Overview

  • University of Colorado at Boulder, BA

  • Hawaii, Hawaii State Bar
  • United States, U.S. Federal Courts

  • Hawaii State Bar Association - Member
  • Maui County Bar Association - Member
  • Hawaii, Hawaii State Bar
  • United States, U.S. Federal Courts
  • Hawaii State Bar Association - Member
  • Maui County Bar Association - Member
  • University of Colorado at Boulder, BA

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Land Use and Zoning Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Land Use and Zoning Law, Honolulu (2026)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Real Estate Law

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