Services
Administrative Law
Represents clients in matters involving governmental administrative agencies, including cases related to the marine industry, the Regulated Industries Complaints Office, and harbor issues.
Business Law
Provides a full range of business services, including contract drafting, and business transactions such as purchases and sales. Expertise in establishing business structures, including partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, as well as in business entity dissolution.
Commercial Leasing
Experienced representation of commercial landlords and tenants in lease negotiations, lease reviews, drafting of commercial leases, and eviction proceedings.
Construction Law
Skilled in contract drafting for contractors and homeowners, and representing clients in construction disputes through mediation and arbitration. Representation also includes assisting contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and homeowners in mechanics’ and materialmen’s lien proceedings.
Estate Planning
Offers estate planning services, including the preparation of wills, trusts, and probate administration.
Mediation and Arbitration
Provides mediation and arbitration services in construction disputes, union/management conflicts, real estate matters, and other commercial disputes. Additionally serves as an arbitrator in Hawaii's ADR personal injury arbitration program.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
While no longer accepting divorce cases, he assists clients in drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Real Estate Law
Comprehensive representation of buyers and sellers in both commercial and residential real estate transactions. Services include drafting and reviewing real estate documentation, such as deeds, promissory notes, mortgages, agreements of sale, and purchase contracts.
About Thomas R. Cole
Background and Education
Tom was born and raised on the island of Maui and is a proud graduate of H.P. Baldwin High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Labor and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Arizona, followed by his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona in 1975.
Legal Career
After being admitted to the Hawai’i State Bar in 1975, Tom began his legal career as a VISTA volunteer with the Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i. In 1976, he opened the Law Office of Thomas R. Cole on Maui. He is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Hawai’i and the United States District Court in Hawai’i.
Community Involvement and Service
Throughout his career, Tom has been deeply involved in the Maui community, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including:
Maui Community Theatre – Board of Trustees
Hale Makua – Board of Trustees
Maui County Bar Association – Treasurer and President, as well as an Elections Observer
Wailuku Elementary School PTA – Board Member
Horizons Academy – Board of Trustees
Ka Lima O Maui – Board of Directors
Seabury Hall – Parent’s Board and Community Development Committee
Maui Wheelchair Sports Association – Board of Trustees
State of Hawai`i Defender Counsel – Chairperson
Maui Youth Basketball League – Board of Directors
County of Maui Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Handicap
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary District 14 – Legal Officer
Maui Chamber of Commerce – Legal Counsel
Tom is also a long-standing member of the Maui County Bar Association, the Hawai`i Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.