From MVP to Real Estate Villain? Ohtani Accused in $240M Hawaii Lawsuit

A $240M luxury housing project on Hawaii’s Hapuna Coast just turned into a soap opera.

The Lawsuit: Developer Kevin Hayes and broker Tomoko Matsumoto are suing Shohei Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo. They claim the duo flexed their star power, forced them off the project, and hijacked the deal for "their own financial gain." Read more MLB headlines here.

The Project: The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort — 14 oceanfront homes averaging $17.3M each. Ohtani was pitched as "Japan’s Babe Ruth" and the first resident, with plans for a private training facility. The endorsement was intended to attract major buyers.

The Allegations:

• Balelo allegedly made endless demands.

• Kingsbarn Realty (project partner) sided with Ohtani and cut ties with Hayes/Matsumoto.

• Plaintiffs say they lost millions in fees and profits after 11 years of work.

• Lawsuit claims: “This is about abuse of power… not baseball.”

The Defense: Kingsbarn calls the claims “completely frivolous.” Ohtani’s camp has not commented.

The Context: Ohtani, fresh off a $700M Dodgers deal and a 2024 World Series win, is now fighting a different kind of curveball — in court. For more baseball news, check out our coverage of the Padres’ recent ups and downs and the Angels’ narrow Freeway Series win over the Dodgers.