Overview

• Developer Kevin Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto filed suit on Aug. 8 in Hawaii Circuit Court, alleging agent Nez Balelo demanded concessions tied to Shohei Ohtani’s endorsement and coerced Kingsbarn Realty Capital into removing them from The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort.
• The complaint accuses Ohtani and Balelo of tortious interference and unjust enrichment, arguing they exploited celebrity leverage to disrupt a decade-long project and seek millions in lost profits, fees and commissions.
• Kingsbarn Realty Capital has labeled the claims "completely frivolous and without merit," saying it assumes full responsibility for firing Hayes and Matsumoto from the development.
• CAA Baseball declined to comment on Balelo’s conduct, and a plaintiffs’ attorney has said it remains unclear whether Ohtani was aware of or directed his agent’s actions.
• The case remains pending with formal responses due soon and early discovery set to determine the extent of any direct involvement by Ohtani.