Overview

• Developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto filed the suit on Aug. 8, accusing Ohtani and agent Nez Balelo of tortious interference and unjust enrichment in The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort.
• The complaint alleges Balelo demanded concessions and pressured Kingsbarn Realty Capital to remove Hayes and Matsumoto in a “coordinated ambush,” costing the plaintiffs millions in projected profits.
• Marketing materials listed Ohtani as the project’s “1st Resident” and celebrity spokesperson, a prominence plaintiffs say was exploited to destabilize their partnership.
• Neither Ohtani nor Balelo has publicly responded, and spokespeople for CAA Baseball and Kingsbarn Realty Capital declined or were unavailable for comment.
• Plaintiffs’ counsel say it remains unclear whether Ohtani knew of his agent’s actions, setting discovery as the next stage to determine his personal involvement.