A Hawaii real-estate developer and a broker have sued Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, alleging they derailed a US$240 million luxury housing project on the Big Island’s Hapuna Coast. The complaint, filed 8 August in Hawaii Circuit Court, accuses the pair of tortious interference and unjust enrichment. According to the filing, Balelo repeatedly demanded concessions from developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto after Ohtani was brought in as a celebrity endorser of The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort. The suit says Balelo then pressured the project’s financial partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, to terminate the two plaintiffs, effectively removing them from the venture they had spent 11 years assembling. Marketing materials describe the development as 14 ocean-view residences averaging US$17.3 million each, with Ohtani billed as the “first resident” and committed purchaser of one home. Hayes and Matsumoto contend the firing will cost them millions of dollars in projected construction profits, management fees and sales commissions, and that Ohtani and Balelo used their “celebrity leverage” solely for personal gain. CAA Baseball, which represents Balelo, declined to comment, and Kingsbarn has not responded to requests for comment. Ohtani, a five-time All-Star and three-time MVP, joined the Dodgers on a record 10-year, US$700 million contract and helped the club win the 2024 World Series.