Real estate venture in Hawaii alleges legal action against Shohei Ohtani and his agent, claiming they intentionally hindered a $240 million project.
In a recent turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, are facing a lawsuit in Hawaii. The lawsuit, filed by real estate investor Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto, alleges tortious interference and unjust enrichment[1][2][3][4].
The lawsuit centres around a $240 million luxury housing development on Hawaii's Big Island, where Ohtani was brought in as a celebrity endorser to attract high-end buyers, particularly from the Japanese market. However, the plaintiffs claim that Ohtani and Balelo exploited their celebrity status to destabilize and dismantle their roles in the project, ultimately leading to their termination[1][2][3][4].
Hayes and Matsumoto, who were part of the management team for The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, had been involved in the project for over a decade. The brochure for the development states that Ohtani intends to purchase one of the 14 residences within the project and spend significant time at The Vista in the off-season. It also mentions that the partnership with Ohtani will elevate demand and create buzz within the Japanese luxury vacation home market[5].
The investment materials refer to Ohtani as "Japan's Babe Ruth" and the "1st Resident," giving him top billing ahead of the Mauna Kea Resort and Hapuna Beach. The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort investment materials list Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and Tomoko Matsumoto as part of the management team, along with Kingsbarn[6].
The lawsuit accuses Ohtani and Balelo of interfering with the plaintiffs' business relationships, leading to their termination from the project. The developers claim that Ohtani and Balelo tried to undermine their interests in a second, neighboring venture as well[7]. Last month, Kingsbarn fired Hayes and Matsumoto in a coordinated ambush, admitting during the call that the terminations were done solely to placate Balelo[8].
The plaintiffs stand to lose millions in compensation tied to projected homebuilding profits, construction management fees, and broker commissions due to the terminations[1][2][3][4]. The lawsuit was filed in Hawaii Circuit Court on Friday.
Ohtani, a five-time All-Star and a three-time Most Valuable Player, signed a record 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers before last season[9]. He helped the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series. Ohtani also plans to construct a small hitting and pitching facility for preseason training at The Vista[10].
This development comes as a surprise, given Ohtani's positive impact on and off the field. The case is currently ongoing, and both parties are yet to issue official statements.
[1] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/03/31/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/ [2] https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/c-353275258 [3] https://www.sportico.com/mlb/news/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal-20230331/ [4] https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/353275258/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal [5] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/03/31/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/ [6] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/03/31/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/ [7] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/03/31/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/ [8] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/03/31/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/ [9] https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/c-353275258 [10] https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/03/31/shohei-ohtani-sued-over-hawaii-real-estate-deal/
- The lawsuit against Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, alleges claims of tortious interference and unjust enrichment, stemming from their roles as celebrity endorsers for a luxury housing development in Hawaii.
- The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort project, which Ohtani was involved with, saw the star athlete being called "Japan's Babe Ruth" and the "1st Resident," far outweighing the billing given to the Mauna Kea Resort and Hapuna Beach.
- The plaintiffs, Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and Tomoko Matsumoto, were part of the management team for The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, having been involved in the project for over a decade.
- The lawsuit accuses Ohtani and Balelo of interfering with the plaintiffs' business relationships, leading to their termination from the project and stand to lose millions in compensation due to the terminations.
- The ongoing case involves Ohtani's roles in sports and pop-culture, with him being a five-time All-Star, a three-time Most Valuable Player, and a record-breaking MLB player, while also making headlines for his involvement in the real estate venture.
- The entwining of sports and sports-betting, crime-and-justice, and general news continue to shape the narrative around theLos Angeles Dodgers' star, as the case progresses with no official statements issued by either party.
