Allegations surface against Shohei Ohtani and his representative for hindering real estate advancement in Hawaii
In the heart of Hawaii's Big Island, a high-profile legal dispute has arisen, involving baseball star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo. The duo is being sued by developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto for alleged tortious interference and unjust enrichment[1][2].
The lawsuit centres around The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, a $240-million luxury housing development project on the coveted Hapuna Coast. The development, which features homes averaging $17.3 million, had initially welcomed Ohtani and Balelo for their promotional and branding value[1][2].
According to the lawsuit, Ohtani and Balelo used their celebrity leverage to pressure Kingsbarn Realty Capital to remove Hayes and Matsumoto from the deal, issuing ultimatums and demanding concessions[1][2]. The plaintiffs claim that Balelo pushed for their termination, with Kingsbarn Realty Capital admitting that these firings were done to placate Balelo[1][2].
As a result, Hayes and Matsumoto stand to lose millions in projected profits, management fees, and commissions due to this action[1][2]. Ohtani, who was brought in primarily for promotional value and endorsement of the project, is named in the suit along with Balelo[1][2].
The endorsement deal with Ohtani was "one of the most high-profile endorsements imaginable" and was expected to accelerate the pace of sales and help achieve pricing objectives[1][2]. Ohtani, who signed a record 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers before last season and helped the team win the 2024 World Series, was to act as the celebrity spokesperson for the project and had committed to purchasing one of the 14 residences within the project[1][2].
The dispute has not distracted Ohtani from his baseball career, with his representatives indicating a possible motion to dismiss the suit, arguing no illegal activity is alleged[1][2][3]. The lawsuit was filed in August 2025 in Hawaii Circuit Court, with the case ongoing.
This development underscores the complexities that can arise when celebrity endorsements and real estate deals intersect, as Ohtani and Balelo are accused of exploiting the baseball star's status for their own financial interests[1][2][3][4].
References: [1] Associated Press. (2025, August). Shohei Ohtani, agent sued over luxury housing development. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-hawaii-real-estate-lawsuit-sports-baseball-3815278181c2908a6366366f [2] Golen, J. (2025, August). Ohtani, agent sued over Hawaii luxury housing project. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2025/08/01/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-luxury-housing-development/200872994/ [3] Smith, S. A. (2025, August). Ohtani, agent sued over luxury Hawaii housing project. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33966979/shohei-ohtani-agent-neal-balelo-sued-over-luxury-hawaii-housing-project [4] Los Cerritos Community News. (2025, August). Shohei Ohtani, agent sued over Hawaii luxury housing project. Retrieved from https://loscerritosnews.net/2025/08/shohei-ohtani-agent-sued-over-hawaii-luxury-housing-project/ [5] Los Angeles Times. (2025, August). Shohei Ohtani, agent sued over luxury Hawaii housing project. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-08-01/shohei-ohtani-agent-sued-over-hawaii-luxury-housing-project
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