Exclusive IR Global advisor for Real Estate in Hawaii since 2019

Ian L. Sandison

+1 808.544.8314

A premier law firm

Watanabe Ing is a premier law firm that offers a comprehensive range of legal and consulting services. The diverse experience of our team of attorneys and advisors enables us to be involved in nearly every aspect of Hawaii’s legal, political, and economic landscape. We’ve successfully defended against high-stakes lawsuits, facilitated aspects of the largest planned urban development in Honolulu (trust us, it was huge), and advised clients on the latest changes in campaign finance laws.

It started in 1971

Our story began in 1971 when a young group of local attorneys founded the law firm with simple idea-professional excellence, initiative, responsibility, and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing our clients in Hawaii's unique environment are essential to client success.Over 45 years later the idea is the same, our team has grown, we have garnered local and national awards and distinctions, and we are one of the leading law firms in Hawaiʻi. This is the direct result of our continued response to an ever-changing landscape while expanding our areas of practice, and continuing our professional development.While it's been 45 years and counting, we still treat each matter like we're young and it's 1971.

Attorneys, Advisors, and Alumni

A legal team with diverse experiences.

A number of our attorneys and advisors had diverse and successful careers in areas including government, construction, hospitality, the media and the military prior to joining us. These diverse experiences provide our legal and public affairs professionals with a unique perspective in advising clients on local, national, and international issues.

A really, really wide network.

Many of our past team members have built upon the skills gained at our firm and have transitioned into various positions throughout Hawaiʻi - from upper-level management in state and local government, financial institutions, public utilities, and insurance. We take pride in their accomplishments and their continued commitment to our community.

Awards

Recognized by clients and colleagues

With decades of experience among our attorneys and advisors, we are humbled by our clients and colleagues who consistently recognize that our knowledge, skills and exemplary service go beyond expectations.In recent years, our attorneys and advisors have been recognized by Honolulu Magazine's Best Lawyers in Hawaiʻi, Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and Super Lawyers. Our Public Affairs Group was awarded the prestigious Governor's Award by the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi.

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Mr. Sandison’s practice focuses on environmental / land use law and litigation. He routinely represents businesses, landowners, and government agencies in complex development projects, administrative hearings, enforcement actions, permitting, compliance, and financing.

Mr. Sandison has worked on a variety of projects including commercial, industrial, and residential projects on the islands of Hawai’i, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu. His work on behalf of clients is distinguished by the orchestrated, strategic, and nuanced approach he brings to bear on large complex projects. When appropriate, he assembles a team of skilled legal professionals and professionals from other disciplines, to work with the client to put together a plan that will achieve the client’s goals and is likely to survive future court challenges. Past interdisciplinary teams have included planners, archeologists, architects, other engineers (Mr. Sandison himself is a licensed professional engineer), public relations practitioners, and lenders.

Recent matters include serving as lead counsel for the University of Hawaii in connection with successfully obtaining a conservation district use permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea; representing Kamehameha Schools in connection with EPA enforcement matters and environmental civil litigation; and supervising environmental due diligence and risk allocation in connection with Mahi Pono’s purchase of agricultural land on Maui.

Mr. Sandison is listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2018 for Real Estate. He was named Lawyer of the Year-Environmental Law-Honolulu by The Best Lawyers in America 2015. He has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2005 and is currently listed for Administrative / Regulatory Law, Environmental Law and Litigation – Environmental. He was also selected by attorney peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers 2017 for Environmental Law.

Prior to joining Watanabe Ing, Mr. Sandison was a partner at Carlsmith Ball LLP.

‍Education