Mauna Kea Trask

Mauna Kea Trask is a partner in the Lihue office of Cades Schutte, where Trask focuses on Environmental Law and Litigation and Land Use, Zoning & Entitlements. The practice includes administrative proceedings, regulatory matters, state and federal litigation, and development-related issues. Trask works on matters that require careful review of the facts, governing law, and the client’s practical objectives. The work stays closely connected to the decisions, risks, transactions, or disputes that brought the client to counsel.

Trask earned a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii in 2004 and a B.S. in Anthropology from Oregon State University in 2001. His education supports a practice that combines legal analysis with detailed regulatory and land-use issues. This academic background supports legal analysis, research, writing, and problem solving. The training also supports careful review of rules, records, documents, and options within the lawyer’s current practice.

Trask has experience with work as a public defender, First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and County Attorney for Kauai from 2014 to 2018. In private practice, he handles environmental, land-use, entitlement, and litigation matters that can involve agencies, courts, property interests, and public decision-making. This experience supports organized matter development and preparation for negotiation, transactions, administrative proceedings, trial, or appeal when required.

Mauna Kea Trask has been recognized by Best Lawyers for land-use and zoning litigation, including a 2026 Lawyer of the Year recognition in Honolulu. Trask brings experience from both government service and private practice to complex Hawaii matters. The combination of education, prior roles, and current practice supports careful legal judgment and disciplined client service. The practice remains focused on the areas reflected in the lawyer’s current professional profile and clear guidance through the legal process.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cades Schutte LLP
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
• Member, Kaua‘i Bar Association
• Vice Chair, Kaua‘i & Ni‘ihau Island Burial Council (2012-2014)

Licensed State

• Hawaii

Education

• William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai‘i
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Oregon State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Anthropology

Awards & Badges