Joseph Fagundes, III

Joseph Fagundes, III, is an experienced Hawaii attorney who represents individuals and business entities in civil litigation, real property, business, admiralty, and alternative dispute resolution matters. His practice includes appearances before Hawaii state and federal courts, as well as appellate work before the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Joseph earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1976 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Hawaii, William S. Richardson School of Law, in 1980. He was admitted to the Hawaii State Bar and the United States District Court for Hawaii that same year. His legal career reflects more than four decades of practice in Hawaii, with substantial experience handling disputes involving real estate, maritime interests, business operations, insurance matters, and liability concerns. He represents individuals, businesses, investors, maritime clients, and insurance carriers in Hawaii and beyond.

Although Joseph is an accomplished courtroom advocate, his approach emphasizes practical problem-solving whenever possible. He works to resolve many client disputes through negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and other nonjudicial methods, helping clients avoid unnecessary expense, delay, and disruption when litigation is not the most effective path forward. He served as President of the West Hawaii Bar Association and on the Hawaii State Bar Association Board of Directors.

Joseph Fagundes, III’s work has included service as a court-appointed arbitrator, foreclosure commissioner, hearing officer, and expert in legal ethics and American admiralty law. These roles demonstrate the trust placed in his judgment and experience by courts, agencies, and legal professionals in complex matters requiring careful analysis. Through his practice and public-service work, he has helped people, businesses, and community organizations address legal challenges with clarity and preparation. His pro bono and legal aid work reflects his commitment to making legal guidance more accessible.

Law Office Affiliations

• Owner, Kona Law
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, West Hawaii Bar Association
• Founder/Supervising Attorney, West Hawaii Law Clinic, 1988-1990
• Hearing Officer, State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Ocean Boating and Recreation
• Court Appointed Arbitrator, Court Annexed Arbitration Program
• Court Certified Expert (Hawaii), Legal Ethics
• Court Certified Expert (Fiji), American Admiralty Law
• Court Appointed Commissioner, Real Property Foreclosure Sales
• Member, William S. Richardson School of Law Alumni Association
• Barrister Division, Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity
• Member, University of California, Berkeley Alumni Association

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• University of Hawaii, Richardson School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges