James Mauliola Keaka Stone, Jr.
James was born and raised in Hawai’i growing up in the rural communities of Hilo on the Big Island and Kailua on the Island of Oahu and graduated from the Kamehameha Schools. While at Kamehameha, he developed a deep appreciation for his Hawaiian heritage, an appreciation that has remained an important thread throughout his life.
In 1981, James enrolled in the University of Hawai’i at Manoa majoring in Hawaiian Studies and Political Science and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985.
While an undergraduate, James became involved in politics, serving as a legislative aid and committee clerk in the Hawaii State House of Representatives in 1983, 1984 and 1986. In 1984 and 1985, James worked for then Congressman Daniel K. Akaka in Washington D.C. as a legislative assistant concentrating on tax reform, budget and aerospace matters.
James’ legislative work led him to develop an interest in a legal career and he entered the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai’i in 1985. While in law school, James focused upon the area of real estate and he served as the President of the Ahahui o Hawai’i, the Hawaiian law student organization.
After graduating from law school in 1988, James began his law practice as a law clerk and associate in the Law Offices of Bradley A. Coates, emphasizing divorce and other family law matters. In 1990, James was appointed as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu and served with distinction on the Narcotics, Organized Crime and Sexual Assault special prosecution teams.
In 1993, James joined Pitluck & Kido as an associate and the firm’s primary litigator. In 1995, James became a partner and the firm was renamed, Pitluck Kido Sato & Stone. Currently, James’ practice emphasizes real estate, business, commercial litigation, real estate continuing education, risk reduction, fair housing, RESPA and legislative lobbying. He is a regular contributor to the Hawaii REALTOR Journal and is a member of the American Bar Association, Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA), and the HSBA Legislative Committee. Outside the office, James plays Hawaiian music at various venues throughout the islands.
James is married with one daughter and one son. His wife is an attorney with the State of Hawai’i. |
