The Shohei Ohtani Hawaii real estate lawsuit involves claims that the baseball star’s agent sabotaged a $240 million luxury housing project. Filed in August 2024, the case accuses Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo of using the athlete’s celebrity status to gain business advantages, then pushing out the original developers. The defendants deny all allegations and have filed motions to dismiss.
This legal battle centers on Vista at Mauna Kea Resort, a planned development of 14 luxury estate homes on Hawaii’s Big Island. What started as a promising partnership between developer Kevin Hayes, broker Tomoko Matsumoto, and sports agent Nez Balelo ended in court. Understanding this case requires looking at how the relationship formed, what each party wanted, and why it fell apart.
The Lawsuit in Brief
Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and Tomoko Matsumoto, both real estate investor and broker, filed their complaint in the Hawaii Circuit Court in August 2024. They named Shohei Ohtani, Nez Balelo, and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as defendants.
The plaintiffs claim tortious interference with business relationships and unjust enrichment. They argue Balelo used Ohtani’s name and image to secure favorable terms in their partnership, then systematically worked to remove them from the project. According to the complaint, Balelo wanted to take over the development and cut out the original team.
Kingsbarn Realty Capital, the development company behind Vista at Mauna Kea, denies these allegations regarding their dealings with Ohtani and Balelo. CEO Jeff Pori stated the company never improperly used Ohtani’s likeness. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss in October 2024, arguing that the claims lack merit.
How the Business Relationship Started
Hayes and Matsumoto met Balelo in early 2023. Balelo represents Ohtani through CAA Baseball, one of the most powerful sports agencies in the world, which also includes connections to the Los Angeles Dodgers star. At the time, Ohtani was playing for the Los Angeles Angels. He would later sign a record $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023.
The three parties discussed collaborating on a luxury real estate project targeting Japanese buyers. Ohtani’s appeal was obvious. He ranks as one of the most famous athletes in Japan and has massive crossover appeal in the United States. His involvement could attract wealthy Japanese investors looking for vacation homes in Hawaii.
The Vista at Mauna Kea Project
Vista at Mauna Kea Resort sits on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, one of the Big Island’s most exclusive areas. The development plan called for 14 custom estate homes on land near the Mauna Kea Resort and Hapuna Golf Course.
Each home was projected to sell for an average of $17.3 million, making the total project value around $240 million. The target market was affluent Japanese buyers seeking luxury vacation properties in Hawaii.
Hayes brought development experience and land access. Matsumoto offered connections to Japanese buyers and local market knowledge. Balelo and Ohtani could provide the celebrity endorsement that would make the project attractive to high-net-worth Japanese investors.
Why Ohtani’s Name Mattered
Ohtani is not just another celebrity athlete. In Japan, Ohtani holds cultural significance that few American athletes can match, enhancing his value as a business partner. His success as both a pitcher and hitter makes him a once-in-a-generation talent. His clean image and humble personality add to his appeal.
For wealthy Japanese buyers considering a multimillion-dollar vacation home, Ohtani’s association with the project carried weight. His endorsement suggested quality, exclusivity, and a connection to Japanese culture in an American luxury setting.
What Went Wrong Between the Parties
According to the lawsuit, problems began after Balelo secured concessions from Hayes and Matsumoto. The plaintiffs claim they agreed to reduce their fees and give Balelo more control over the housing development project in exchange for Ohtani’s participation.
The complaint alleges that once Balelo got these favorable terms, he began working to push Hayes and Matsumoto out entirely. They claim he made unreasonable demands, interfered with their business relationships, and ultimately terminated their involvement in the housing development project.
Hayes and Matsumoto say they lost significant income from commissions and fees they would have earned. They also claim they invested time, money, and professional relationships into the project based on promises that were later broken.
The plaintiffs argue Balelo never intended to maintain a long-term partnership. Instead, they claim he used their initial work to position himself and his associates to control the development without sharing the financial rewards.
The Legal Claims Explained
The Shohei Ohtani Hawaii real estate lawsuit includes two main legal theories: tortious interference and unjust enrichment, particularly concerning the actions of Ohtani and Balelo. Both are common in business disputes but require specific proof.
Tortious Interference
Tortious interference happens when someone intentionally damages another person’s business relationships or contracts. In real estate, this often involves one party convincing clients or partners to break agreements.
To prove tortious interference in Hawaii, the plaintiffs must show:
- A valid business relationship or contract existed
- The defendant knew about this relationship and its implications for the Hawaii real estate project.
- The defendant intentionally interfered with it
- The interference caused actual damage
- The defendant’s actions were improper, and accused of sabotaging the business relationships.
Hayes and Matsumoto, real estate investors and brokers, claim they had business relationships with potential buyers and partners. They allege Balelo deliberately disrupted these connections to take control of the project. They must prove his actions crossed the line from normal business competition to improper interference.
Unjust Enrichment
Unjust enrichment occurs when one party benefits unfairly at another’s expense. The plaintiffs claim Balelo and his associates gained valuable business advantages through their work on the 240 million Hawaii project, then cut them out before they could receive their fair compensation.
To succeed on this claim, Hayes and Matsumoto must show the impact of the actions on the 240 million Hawaii project.
- They provided something of value in the context of a 240 million luxury housing development.
- The defendants received and kept that value
- It would be unfair for the defendants to keep it without paying
The plaintiffs argue they made introductions, reduced their fees, and helped position the project for success. They claim the defendants took these benefits without providing the promised compensation or partnership.
Who’s Who in the Case
Understanding the Shohei Ohtani Hawaii real estate lawsuit requires knowing the key players and what each brings to the dispute.
Shohei Ohtani is a two-way MLB star who signed a $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023. He was named to All-Star teams, won MVP awards, and maintains enormous popularity in Japan and the United States. The lawsuit names him as a defendant, though the plaintiffs primarily target his agent’s actions in relation to Shohei Ohtani and his agent.
Nez Balelo works as a sports agent with CAA Baseball. He represents Ohtani and other high-profile players. The plaintiffs claim he masterminded the alleged scheme to take over the Vista project. He denies all wrongdoing.
Kevin J. Hayes Sr. is a real estate developer who brought the Vista at Mauna Kea opportunity to the partnership. He claims he was pushed out after making concessions to secure Ohtani’s involvement in the housing development project.
Tomoko Matsumoto is a real estate broker with connections to Japanese buyers. She alleges she lost commissions and business relationships due to Balelo’s interference.
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is one of the world’s largest talent agencies. CAA Baseball represents numerous MLB players. The agency is named as a defendant based on Balelo’s employment there.
Kingsbarn Realty Capital is the development company managing Vista at Mauna Kea. CEO Jeff Pori denies the allegations and states the company used Ohtani’s name appropriately.
The Defense Response
The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in October 2024. Their legal strategy focuses on challenging whether the plaintiffs have valid claims under Hawaii law.
Kingsbarn Realty Capital denies using Ohtani’s likeness improperly. The company maintains that any use of his name was appropriate and authorized. Jeff Pori stated publicly that the allegations misrepresent the business relationship between Shohei Ohtani and his agent.
The defense likely argues that normal business negotiations and partnership changes do not constitute tortious interference. They may contend that Balelo had the right to seek better terms for his client and that Hayes and Matsumoto agreed to changes voluntarily.
On the unjust enrichment claim, the defendants probably argue that they provided fair value for anything they received. They may say Hayes and Matsumoto were compensated appropriately or that the business relationship ended for legitimate reasons.
The motion to dismiss asks the court to throw out the case without a trial. To succeed, the defendants must convince the judge that even if everything the plaintiffs allege is true, they still have no valid legal claim.
What’s at Stake Financially
The financial stakes in the Shohei Ohtani Hawaii real estate lawsuit are substantial for all parties.
Hayes and Matsumoto seek compensation for lost commissions, fees, and business opportunities. With 14 homes averaging $17.3 million each, broker commissions alone could reach into the millions. Development fees would add significantly more.
The plaintiffs also claim reputational damage. Being removed from a high-profile project like the housing development on the Hapuna Coast affects their ability to attract future clients and partners. They argue this harm extends beyond immediate financial losses.
For Ohtani, the lawsuit represents a reputational risk more than a financial one. His $700 million Dodgers contract dwarfs any potential judgment. However, legal problems could affect his marketability and endorsement value, particularly for Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Japanese and American brands pay premium rates for his clean image.
Balelo and CAA face similar reputational concerns as they navigate the lawsuit involving Shohei Ohtani and his agent. Sports agents rely on trust and relationships. A finding that Balelo acted improperly could damage his standing with current and potential clients.
Kingsbarn Realty Capital needs a resolution to move forward with Vista at Mauna Kea. Ongoing litigation creates uncertainty for investors and buyers. The company wants to clear its name and continue the development of the 240 million luxury housing development.
What Happens Next
The Shohei Ohtani Hawaii real estate lawsuit will likely take months or years to resolve. Hawaii courts must first rule on the motion to dismiss.
If the judge denies the motion, the case proceeds to discovery. Both sides will exchange documents, take depositions, and gather evidence. This phase reveals the full story of what happened between the parties.
Settlement remains possible at any stage. Business disputes often settle before trial because litigation is expensive and outcomes are uncertain. Both sides may prefer a confidential agreement over a public trial.
If the case goes to trial, a Hawaii jury would decide whether Balelo interfered with business relationships and whether anyone was unjustly enriched. The verdict would determine damages.
The case could also affect how celebrity endorsements work in real estate deals. If the plaintiffs win, developers and brokers may demand stronger contractual protections when working with celebrity representatives like Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Agents might become more cautious about how they structure these partnerships, especially in light of recent events involving Shohei Ohtani and his agent.
For now, the Vista at Mauna Kea project continues under Kingsbarn Realty Capital’s management. The outcome of this lawsuit will determine whether Hayes and Matsumoto receive compensation and whether Ohtani’s reputation faces any lasting impact from the allegations.