Bert T. Kobayashi, Jr.

Bert T. Kobayashi, Jr. is a founding partner of Kobayashi Sugita & Goda in Honolulu, Hawaii, with extensive experience in complex commercial and construction matters. His practice includes commercial litigation, construction litigation, appeals, construction contracting, antitrust and trade regulation, sports and entertainment, and campaign and election matters. He also advises on development and construction issues, administrative law, government procurement, and contract and trust disputes. His work combines courtroom advocacy with counseling on projects, agreements, and regulated business activities.

Kobayashi earned a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a B.A. in political science from Gettysburg College, with minors in psychology and mathematics. He also attended the University of Hawaii. His education provides a broad foundation for legal analysis involving commercial relationships, construction projects, regulation, competition, public processes, and complex disputes.

Kobayashi has represented clients in major construction and commercial disputes and has advised owners, developers, and other participants on project documents and risk. His practice extends to administrative proceedings, public procurement, antitrust questions, campaign and election matters, and sports and entertainment issues. This range gives him experience with disputes and transactions shaped by contracts, regulations, business strategy, and public decision-making.

Bert T. Kobayashi, Jr. has held professional and community leadership roles and has received recognition for his legal work. His practice reflects decades of experience with litigation, construction, business, and regulatory matters in Hawaii. He helps clients address high-stakes disputes and project-related legal issues by combining courtroom experience with practical knowledge of contracting, public processes, and the commercial considerations surrounding complex matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Kobayashi Sugita & Goda, LLP
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Chairperson, State of Hawaii’s Judicial Selection Commission (1988-1989)
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Board Member, Board of Visitors, Lewis and Clark Northwestern Law School
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Past Member, American Law Institute
• Director, First Hawaiian Bank (1974-2021)
• Director, BancWest (2010-2015)
• Director and Chair, Governance and Nominations Committee, Hawaii Holdings, Inc. (2004-2015)
• Director, Western Air Lines (1975-1989)
• Director circa, Schuler Homes, Inc. (1992-2001)
• Director, Hawaiian Insurance and Guaranty (1975-1982)
• Director, Inter-Continental Medical Services (1986-1996)
• Advisory Board Member, GTE Hawaiian Telephone Company (1997-2001)
• President in, Waialae Country Club (1997)
• Director and Vice Chairperson, Friends of Hawaii Charities (1997-2021)
• Director and Executive Committee Member, Ahahui Koa Anuenue (University of Hawaii’s Athletic Foundation)
• Director, Hawaii Public Schools Foundation
• Past Member, National Board of the American Judicature Society
• Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association
• Arbitrator, Dispute Resolution and Prevention, Inc.
• Executive Committee Member, Japan-Hawaii Economic Council (1971-2001)
• Head Coach, JV Football, Punahou School

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Gettysburg College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science

Awards & Badges