David B. Tongg

David B. Tongg is a partner at Kobayashi Sugita & Goda in Honolulu, Hawaii, whose practice focuses on business and real estate transactions. His work includes business transactions, real estate transactions, intellectual property, and planning, zoning and land use. He advises on business sales and acquisitions, formations, mergers and reorganizations, real estate financing, commercial leasing, corporate matters, and tax-related issues. His earlier engineering and construction management experience adds practical understanding of projects, property, and technical business operations.

Tongg earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1984 and attended law school at the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he served on the law review and was published. His technical, business, and legal background supports analysis of transactions involving property, operating companies, financing, development, intellectual property, and complex contractual relationships.

Tongg worked for approximately nine years as a project engineer and construction manager before entering legal practice. That experience informs his advice on real estate and business matters, particularly when transactions involve development, construction, technical operations, or project risk. His legal work includes structuring business relationships, negotiating property and financing arrangements, and addressing land use or intellectual property issues tied to commercial activity.

David B. Tongg combines transactional legal experience with an engineering and construction background. His practice allows him to evaluate both the legal structure of a business or real estate deal and the practical requirements of projects and operations. He helps clients organize transactions, review agreements, manage property and land use issues, and address intellectual property or corporate questions that affect long-term commercial objectives.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kobayashi Sugita & Goda, LLP
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of Hawaii at Manoa
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering

Awards & Badges