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Hawaii real estate investor and broker are suing Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, alleging that he and his agent exploited their celebrity status to oust them from a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island's Hapuna Coast. The lawsuit claims Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, made increasingly demands for concessions before forcing their business partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, to drop them from the deal.

    According to the suit, Ohtani and Balelo used their leverage to destabilize the project, which was conceived and built by the plaintiffs over 11 years. The developers had signed an endorsement deal with Ohtani in 2023, touting him as a key factor in elevating demand for the luxury homes.

    However, the suit alleges that Balelo became a "disruptive force" after signing the deal, threatening to pull Ohtani's endorsement unless concessions were made. The plaintiffs claim they were eventually fired by Kingsbarn last month, with the company admitting during a call that the terminations were done solely to placate Balelo.

    The lawsuit accuses Ohtani and Balelo of tortious interference and unjust enrichment, seeking millions in compensation for projected homebuilding profits, construction management fees, and broker commissions. The plaintiffs argue that Ohtani's fame should not shield him from accountability for his actions.

    Ohtani, a five-time All-Star and three-time Most Valuable Player, had signed a record 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers before last season and helped the team win the 2024 World Series. He was set to be the celebrity spokesperson for the project, which included 14 residences averaging $17.3 million each.

    The lawsuit claims that Ohtani's involvement in the project was solely for his promotional value, and that he had committed to purchasing one of the homes and spending significant time at The Vista in the off-season. However, the plaintiffs argue that Ohtani and Balelo ultimately used their leverage to undermine their interests in the project.