Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild

Hawaii’s Trusted Legal Partner

At the Front Lines of Construction & Regulatory Compliance

For nearly four decades, Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild has stood as one of Hawaii’s most experienced and influential legal partners in the construction and regulatory compliance arena. With a practice built on deep industry knowledge, multidisciplinary expertise, and a proactive philosophy, the firm has become the go-to legal resource for developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and architects navigating one of the nation’s most complex and dynamic construction markets.

Situated in a state where land use, regulatory requirements, and environmental conditions create a uniquely demanding project landscape, Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild has cultivated a reputation for being more than a legal service provider. They have become problem solvers, strategic advisors, and long-term partners dedicated to helping clients succeed in a continually evolving environment.

A Dual Focus: Real Estate and Construction Law Across the Full Project Lifecycle

The firm’s core concentration lies in real estate and construction law, with a particular emphasis on full lifecycle support from contract negotiation through dispute resolution. According to Ryan Engle, Partner at the firm, Hawaii’s construction market requires legal expertise that spans all stages of a project.

“Hawaii’s construction sector is incredibly complex,” Engle explains. “Property values are high, development is fast-moving, and you have so many stakeholders at the table. We represent developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and architects, which gives us a comprehensive understanding of each party’s interests throughout both the transactional and litigation processes.”

That breadth of representation offers clients a strategic advantage: access to legal counsel capable of anticipating risks from multiple angles. The firm strongly encourages clients to involve them early—preferably even before contracts are finalized.

“The smarter way is to have an attorney involved at the front end,” Engle says. “Litigation experience gives us a lens into how problems develop, which means we can address potential issues proactively through the contract. That translates into fewer disputes, clearer expectations, and significantly reduced cost and emotional strain for clients.”

A Proactive Approach That Sets the Firm Apart

Where many firms silo their work between transactional attorneys and litigators, Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild takes a more integrated approach that follows clients from beginning to end.

“We are involved from start to finish,” Engle notes. “A lot of firms draft contracts and then hand things off once litigation arises. Our involvement across both sides of the spectrum allows us to anticipate challenges early and build preventative solutions directly into the structure of the project.”

In Hawaii’s highly specialized environment—where compliance expectations, geographic constraints, and environmental conditions often intersect—having attorneys who truly understand the full lifecycle of a project is invaluable. It is this combination of legal depth, practical industry experience, and early intervention that has positioned Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild as one of the state’s leading construction law firms.

Staying Ahead of Hawaii’s Regulatory Landscape

Hawaii’s building industry operates under a dynamic regulatory environment that is frequently updated and refined. Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild not only keeps pace with these shifts but helps shape them. The firm maintains a long-standing presence within industry associations, including the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, where its attorneys have served on the Board of Directors.

“We work closely with industry groups,” Engle says. “Our involvement helps us anticipate emerging trends and regulatory changes before they hit the broader market. It also gives us the opportunity to advocate for solutions that benefit the building community.”

This ongoing engagement ensures that the firm’s clients receive timely insights into new rules, legislative developments, and evolving expectations that could influence contract terms, dispute resolution procedures, or project feasibility.

Client Collaboration Rooted in Pragmatism and Transparency

For many construction clients, involving attorneys early can feel like a financial concern. Engle emphasizes that, in practice, early engagement is almost always more cost-effective.

“Clients sometimes hesitate to call their attorney until a problem has escalated,” he explains. “But addressing issues early is always more cost-effective. Once a problem spirals, costs—financial, relational, and emotional—grow exponentially.”

The firm’s approach centers on clarity and intentionality. When a concern arises, the team outlines the next steps, follows up to evaluate results, and maps the best path forward. Engle notes that the emotional and opportunity cost for clients can be just as significant as the financial burden, and part of the firm’s job is helping clients understand the full spectrum of implications as they weigh their options.

Balancing the Needs of a Diverse Construction Ecosystem

One of the firm’s strongest differentiators is its balanced representation across multiple segments of the construction industry. By working with developers, general contractors, subcontractors, designers, and emerging construction businesses, Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnildhas developed a unique ability to understand competing perspectives and identify workable, mutually beneficial solutions.

“If we only represented one segment, our perspective would be incomplete,” Engle says. “By seeing the industry from all angles, we’re able to advance practical solutions to disputes and regulatory issues. It strengthens the entire construction ecosystem.”

The firm also plays an active role in supporting workforce diversity and growth. This includes working with Native Hawaiian-owned, women-owned, and minority-owned construction firms and helping these organizations build capacity and competitiveness within Hawaii’s market. Their involvement reflects a broader commitment to creating an industry landscape that mirrors the diversity and aspirations of Hawaii’s people.

Beyond their legal work, the firm’s partners maintain a meaningful presence in community organizations and nonprofits. Engle serves on the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii and the Hawaii Architectural Foundation, with other partners contributing to a wide range of local initiatives. These efforts reinforce the firm’s long-held belief that strong communities make strong industries.

Navigating Today’s Most Pressing Challenges

Asked about the biggest challenges currently facing the construction sector, Engle points first to tariff-related uncertainty.

“Tariffs have created enormous unpredictability,” he explains. “A major tariff can change the cost of materials overnight, and the question becomes: who bears that cost? Developer? Contractor? Lender?”

The firm has already begun drafting provisions and resolution procedures to address future tariff-related disruptions, but Engle acknowledges that this remains a significant and unpredictable risk factor. Economic uncertainty affects every stakeholder. Developers may need to re-evaluate feasibility, contractors must navigate pricing volatility, and lenders require stability to finance projects. When lenders lose certainty, Engle notes, entire projects can stall or collapse.

Environmental conditions represent another major challenge. Hawaii’s climate creates unique stresses on building materials, leading to corrosion, deterioration, and other forms of premature product failure that may not appear in mainland environments. As a result, product liability and environmental litigation have increased.

“Hawaii’s salt air, soil, and climate create challenges that don’t exist elsewhere,” Engle says. “Products considered industry standard on the mainland may not be suitable here.”

This trend highlights the need for experienced legal partners who understand the nuances of building in Hawaii’s environment.

Looking Forward: Leading the Next Era of Construction Law in Hawaii

As for the future, Engle envisions Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild reinforcing its position as a trusted advisor at the forefront of contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and regulatory guidance.

“Our goal is to stay at the leading edge—anticipating trends, identifying risks, and positioning our clients for the best possible outcome,” he says. “We can’t prevent every dispute, but we can prepare clients with strong contracts, proactive planning, and an informed strategy.”

In a market characterized by global supply chain challenges, environmental pressures, and complex regulatory requirements, the firm remains committed to offering clarity, foresight, and steadfast advocacy.

With forty years of involvement in nearly every major construction dispute in the state and one of the largest dedicated construction law teams in Hawaii, Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnildcontinues to stand as a cornerstone of trust, expertise, and leadership in Hawaii’s built environment.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Lung Rose, Voss & Wagnild

What: one of Hawaii’s most experienced and influential legal partners in the construction and regulatory compliance arena

Where: Hawaii, USA

Website: www.bestlawfirms.com/firms/lung-rose-voss-wagnild