Overview

• Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and Tomoko Matsumoto filed suit on Aug. 8 in Hawaii Circuit Court alleging tortious interference and unjust enrichment after an 11-year development effort and a 2023 endorsement deal with Shohei Ohtani.
• The complaint claims agent Nez Balelo coerced business partner Kingsbarn Realty Capital to remove the plaintiffs in a “coordinated ambush” by threatening withdrawal of Ohtani’s endorsement.
• Promotional brochures marketed The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort with Ohtani as celebrity spokesperson and first resident who would build a hitting and pitching facility to attract U.S. and Japanese buyers.
• CAA Baseball declined to comment and Kingsbarn has not responded as the plaintiffs seek millions in projected profits, management fees and broker commissions.
• Plaintiffs’ counsel says it remains uncertain whether Ohtani was aware of his agent’s alleged actions and the defendants are expected to respond or move to dismiss the case.