Real Estate Venture Allegedly Disrupted by Shohei Ohtani and His Representative, Involving a Predicted $240-million Loss
In the heart of Hawaii's Big Island, a legal dispute is unfolding in the Circuit Court. The plaintiffs, developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto, have filed a lawsuit against baseball star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, alleging tortious interference and unjust enrichment[1][2][4].
At the centre of the controversy is a $240 million luxury housing development project, The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, located on the Hapuna Coast. The project, which includes luxury homes averaging $17.3 million in price, was expected to be one of the most high-profile endorsements for the development[5]. Ohtani, often referred to as "Japan's Babe Ruth" and the "1st Resident" in investment materials for The Vista, had committed to purchasing one of the 14 residences and spending his off-seasons there, even planning to construct a small hitting and pitching facility for preseason training[2][4].
However, the plaintiffs claim that Balelo demanded concessions from them and pressured their business partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, to remove Hayes and Matsumoto from the development[1][2]. This alleged pressure led to Kingsbarn firing them "solely to placate" Balelo. The lawsuit also alleges that Ohtani and Balelo tried to undermine the plaintiffs' interests in a neighboring project, resulting in millions of dollars in losses tied to profit from homebuilding, construction management fees, and broker commissions[1][2].
The plaintiffs contend that Ohtani and Balelo exploited their celebrity leverage purely for their own financial self-interest, destabilizing the plaintiffs' contract positions and enriching themselves unjustly at the expense of Hayes and Matsumoto[2][4]. The lawsuit was filed after Shohei Ohtani had signed a 10-year, $700-million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers before last season[3].
As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this lawsuit extend beyond the baseball field, raising questions about the use of celebrity endorsements in real estate development and the potential for undue influence in business dealings.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Plaintiffs | Kevin J. Hayes Sr. (developer), Tomoko Matsumoto (broker) | | Defendants | Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers player), Nez Balelo (agent) | | Alleged Claims | Tortious interference, unjust enrichment | | Project | $240 million luxury housing development at The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, Hapuna Coast | | Key Allegations | - Demands by Balelo leading to plaintiffs' firing from project | | | - Use of celebrity influence to destabilize plaintiffs' roles | | | - Resulting loss of millions in profits and commissions | | Ohtani's role | Celebrity endorser, planned resident with intent to buy and build a training facility |
[1] Hawaii Tribune-Herald. (2025, August 1). Ohtani, agent sued over luxury project. [online] Available at: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2025/08/01/ohtani-agent-sued-over-luxury-project/
[2] Pacific Business News. (2025, August 1). Shohei Ohtani, agent Nez Balelo sued for allegedly interfering with Hawaii real estate project. [online] Available at: https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2025/08/01/ohtani-balelo-sued-for-allegedly-interfering-with.html
[3] ESPN. (2024, December 8). Shohei Ohtani signs record-breaking $700 million deal with Dodgers. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34948539/shohei-ohtani-signs-record-breaking-700-million-deal-los-angeles-dodgers
[4] Courthouse News Service. (2025, August 1). Shohei Ohtani, Agent Sued Over $240M Hawaii Real Estate Project. [online] Available at: https://www.courthousenews.com/shohei-ohtani-agent-sued-over-240m-hawaii-real-estate-project/
[5] Hawaii Business Magazine. (2023, March 1). Shohei Ohtani Signs Endorsement Deal with Hawaii Luxury Development. [online] Available at: https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/news/2023/03/shohei-ohtani-signs-endorsement-deal-with-hawaii-luxury-development/
