Keola Whittaker

John L. Knorek, a Director at the firm, provides counsel and representation to large and small employers in all aspects of employment and wrongful discharge law. His practice also includes collective bargaining negotiations, affirmative action compliance, mediation and arbitration. He provides training to businesses on employment discrimination and preventative personnel practices, including family leave, disability law and sexual harassment. Mr. Knorek is a founding co-editor of the Hawaii C...

Paul Sato is a seasoned Hawaii litigation attorney who has 50 years experience. Mr. Sato is Of Counsel to the firm and focuses his practice in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law, Corporate Law and Administrative Law. Mr. Sato has been selected for inclusion to The Best Lawyers in America ® list in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation and Real Estate Law. Mr. Sato is rated AV Preeminent® , Martindale-Hubbell’s® highest rating po...

Joseph A. Ernst is a Director of the firm and a member of the employment law department. His practice involves counseling and defending employers in all aspects of employment law, including defense of wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, whistleblower, and retaliation claims. He also assists clients with employer compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment, Employment Litigation, Employment Compliance, Labor Relations

John K. Matsumoto is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Elder Law and Trusts and Estates. John K. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized John K. Matsumoto since 2016. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which John K. Matsumoto is held by other lawyers.

Maile Miller is a Director of the firm. Ms. Miller is a vital member of the firm’s litigation team, representing clients in a variety of matters. Ms. Miller’s practice focuses on construction, business, and land use litigation, frequently appearing before Hawaii’s State and Federal Courts, in addition to administrative agencies such as the City and County of Honolulu’s Zoning Board of Appeals. Ms. Miller represents a wide variety of corporate and public entity clients,...

Mari Kishimoto Doi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Mari, who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mari is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jesse W. Schiel is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Jesse W. practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Jesse W. Schiel since 2017. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jesse W. Schiel is held by other lawyers.

William Meheula’s practice areas include complex commercial litigation, real estate litigation, legal malpractice, administrative law, divorce cases and Native Hawaiian rights. Mr. Meheula’s real estate litigation practice involves disputes concerning purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, financial agreements, and regarding entitlement, condemnation, environmental, archaeological, and hotel and resort issues. His administrative law practice includes proceedings b...

Steven Ho is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Corporate Law. Steven practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii Best Lawyers has recognized Steven Ho since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Steven Ho is held by other lawyers.

Ronald I. Heller has been practicing law in Honolulu for over 30 years, in the areas of tax litigation, business/commercial litigation, taxation and business law. He received both JD and MBA degrees from the University of Michigan, and 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 federa...