Ivan M. Lui-Kwan, Honolulu Business Attorney

Ivan M. Lui-Kwan

Director

What People Say About Us

"A very aggressive litigation group with some highly talented lawyers."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"A top notch law firm — highly impressive. Strategic thinkers with an uncommon ability to sift through complex issues to get to common-sense solutions."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"The individuals we work with come with high recommendations and take an assertive stance."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"Starn O'Toole clearly stands out above the rest in what they do."

Benchmark Litigation

"An impressive reputation as a go to commercial litigation law firm for regional and global corporations."

Benchmark Litigation

"We were looking for the best litigators in Hawaii, and we found them."

Benchmark Litigation

"The team is praised for comprising"excellent attorneys"who are"highly knowledgeable."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"thoughtful, creative problem solvers. They have the courage to challenge the client when it is their best interest."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"They have been an excellent representative for us. They are thoughtful in their analysis of the situation, have explored a variety of available options, offered sound advice and followed through with persistence."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has excellent lawyers. They are great advisors, and are very professional and polished."

The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is an excellent and responsive firm that understands business needs and issues."

The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"An excellent firm. Excellent service and very responsive, with well trained junior associates. They provide sound commercial advice."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"The thing that really makes them stand out is their business advisory capabilities — they are very insightful about the business side of real estate acquisitions."

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

"The best attorneys are in this firm. They are sensitive to the client's needs, most professional and won all of my litigation cases. I would highly recommend this law firm."

The Best Lawyers in America©, Client Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is the best firm I’ve had the pleasure of working with over a 38 year career. To a person, they are all professional, caring, effective and ethical."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers®, "Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher has strong partners and associates in both real estate and commercial litigation. They are well respected by peers and local judges."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is first rate. The level of professionalism is extraordinary, and the competence is off the charts. Their negotiating ability with opposing counsel was superb; professional, courteous, and firm. They were able therefore, to reach good settlements and serve us very well while maintaining fine relationships with opposing counsel. This is a confident firm, with confidence based on achievement."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher is one of the best most competent firms and attorneys I have ever used."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"I never cease to be surprised at the skills Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher brings in solving my legal issues. They are well connected and well regarded around town."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"When we got into a litigation matter in Hawaii, we got a reference to Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher. They not only exceed in their expertise, they understand the culture and politics of the area as well. Stephanie Thompson and the staff in particular showed impeccable integrity. I usually refrain from participating in these types of surveys, but I wanted to share how great this firm is."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers

"The attorneys at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher have proved to be extremely efficient and responsive and while they are a top rate firm, their efficiency in work keeps costs reasonable. I enjoy and appreciate working with them, especially Ken Marcus."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Doug Chin, at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, has been a wonderful partner in our government relations efforts. He is a consummate professional and well respected in our community, so he is able to open many doors for us. We appreciate our partnership with Doug and with Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"Stephanie and Trevor, at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher, helped us through a very difficult case with patience, compassion and diligence. Their attentiveness and candor got us the best possible outcome. I highly recommend!"

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

"The real estate team at Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher are true professionals. They are very knowledgeable on matters of Hawaiian law, and take a practical business approach to negotiations and problem-solving. They possess excellent research, drafting and negotiating skills. The presence of a government relations capability at the firm is a definite plus. I have worked with the firm for many years and look forward to many more."

US News & World Report-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”, Comment

''Every document or filing they have ever promised has been delivered when they promised it or before.''

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

''They are well-prepared and knowledgeable litigators, as well as strategic thinkers with sound tactics.''

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

'''The firm is able to handle complex matters by providing sound and well-researched legal advice. They provide an excellent service and are very responsive to enquiries.''

Chambers and Partners USA Leading Lawyers for Business, Comment

Ivan M. Lui-Kwan was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii.  He has practiced law for over 50 years, focusing on Hawaii’s land use, administrative and real estate law.

Mr. Lui-Kwan is a Director of the law firm, has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Administrative/Regulatory Law, Government Relations Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Leisure & Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law, and named “Lawyer of the Year” in Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America®, in the practice area of Government Relations Practice (2015, 2018, 2023) and "Lawyer of the Year" in Honolulu, in the practice area of Administrative/Regulatory Law (2022, 2024). He has also been selected to the 2017 & 2018 Hawaii Super Lawyers® list(s) in the practice area of Real Estate Law. Mr. Lui-Kwan has a long-standing AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®.

Mr. Lui-Kwan has also been recognized as the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by Pacific Edge Magazine, and the 2015 Queen Emma Ball Honoree for his many contributions to the St. Andrew's Schools and the people of Hawaii. He is Ambassador to the United States for the Maori King Tuheitia and was knighted by King Tuheitia in November 2015. He is also recognized as a 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree from Saint Martin's University, where he studied Political Science and graduated with honors. In July 2019 the St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii recognized him with the St. Francis Assisi Spirit Award.

He was presented with the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce 'O'O Award.

From the beginning of his career, Mr. Lui-Kwan committed to improving the quality of life for all of Hawaii’s residents, particularly those who occupy the economic and societal underclass in Hawaii.   His vision is a healthy community in which all Hawaii residents have access to good health, fulfilled employment, comfortable housing and a pleasing physical environment.  

In the course of pursuing his vision, Mr. Lui-Kwan has built a vast network of key allies in the three levels of government,  in the native Hawaiian community, in the Pacific Islands countries particularly in Polynesia and in Micronesia, in the senior management circle of major businesses, in the justice system, and in the world of nonprofit organizations.  Real estate, renewable energy, hospitality, health care, and transportation companies seeking to enter Hawaii’s business environment, find his knowledge of Hawaii’s unique environment and inner workings invaluable.

The following is a partial list of activities, which Mr. Lui-Kwan has engaged in pursuit of his vision for Hawaii.

Government & Finance

Past Chairman of the Board of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (“HART”). HART is the largest public works project in Hawaii’s history. 

Former Director of Department of Budget & Fiscal Services, City and County of Honolulu. As Chief Budget Officer, he oversaw Honolulu's  $1.2 billion operating budget. As Chief Finance Officer, he was responsible for the sale of general obligation bonds. As Chief Procurement Officer, he was responsible for  procurement of all of Honolulu’s  goods and services.

In 1990, he served as Statewide Manager of Senator Akaka’s first U.S. Senate Campaign, and Political Director for Senator Akaka’s 2006 Re-Election Campaign.  From 1976-82, Mr. Lui-Kwan was a Campaign Manager of Daniel K. Akaka’s first and subsequent House of Representative race for Hawaii County.

Culture…Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Organizations

A Native Hawaiian, Mr. Lui-Kwan is managing member of Hokukahu, LLC.  Hokukahu is the for profit subsidiary of Hokupili Foundation, the native Hawaiian nonprofit organization which serves approximately 60,000 residents of the Hawaiian Homelands communities in Hawaii. Hokupili’s mission is to create economic opportunity and capacity building for native Hawaiians. 

State Chairman for the Committee on Energy and Environment for the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly. 

Ambassador to the United States and Hawaii for the Maori King, Kiingi Tuheitia, and the Tribes of Aotearoa.

Former President of the board of the Historic Hawaii Foundation.

Former Senior Management in Major Businesses

Trustee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Queen’s Health Systems, one of Hawaii’s largest companies, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Queen’s Development Corporation.  His responsibilities included oversight of Queen’s 21 operating companies including its medical clinics, health plans, laboratory business and its physician office buildings. 

Chairman of the Board, Diagnostic Laboratory Services; Chairman of the Board, Queen's Health Technologies; Director, Wilcox Health System; Vice Chairman, The Queen Emma Foundation Board of Trustees; Vice Chairman, Queen Emma Community Health Board of Directors.

Justice System

Director and Vice Chair for American Judicature Society (National) and Vice-Chairman for the Hawaii Chapter.   The mission of AJS, a 100-year-old organization,  is the improvement of the justice system in the United States.  

Former member of the Disciplinary Board of the Hawaii Supreme Court.

Nonprofit Organizations

Chair Emeritus for St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls, a 145 year-old school founded in 1867 by  Queen Emma.

Director for St. Francis Development Corporation and for St. Francis Residential Care Community.

Former Chairman of the Board, March of Dimes, Hawaii Chapter.

Former Director, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.