S
hohei Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that was lodged last month in Hawaii Circuit Court. The suit, brought by developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto along with West Point Investment Corp. and Hapuna Estates Property Owners, alleged that Ohtani and Balelo had abused their influence, causing the two parties to lose a stake in a $240 million luxury housing project on the Big Island’s Hapuna Coast. The claim also included accusations of tortious interference and unjust enrichment.

    Hayes and Matsumoto had been removed from the development partnership by Kingsbarn Realty Capital, the majority owner of the joint venture. According to Ohtani’s counsel, the plaintiffs had secured a minority interest in a 2023 joint venture that allowed them to use Ohtani’s name, image and likeness under an endorsement agreement to promote the Mauna Kea Resort real‑estate project. The lawyers argued that the plaintiffs exploited Ohtani’s likeness without permission or compensation, engaging in self‑dealing to benefit their own side project.

    Balelo’s attorneys contended that he acted in Ohtani’s best interests by raising concerns about the unauthorized use and threatening legal action, a protected form of speech. They described the lawsuit as “frivolous” and a diversion from the plaintiffs’ own failures and misappropriation of Ohtani’s rights.

    Kingsbarn dismissed the allegations as lacking merit. Ohtani, a three‑time MVP and current Los Angeles Dodgers star, maintains that the suit is an attempt to distract from the plaintiffs’ misconduct. No comment has yet been received from Hayes or Matsumoto’s legal team.