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os Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his agent Nez Balelo filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed last month in Hawaii Circuit Court. The suit, brought by developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Tomoko Matsumoto, alleges that Ohtani and Balelo abused their influence to force the pair out of a $240 million luxury housing project on the Big Island’s Hapuna Coast. The plaintiffs claim abuse of power, tortious interference and unjust enrichment. They say that in 2023 Hayes and Matsumoto secured a minority stake in a joint venture that allowed them to exploit Ohtani’s name, image and likeness under an endorsement deal for the Mauna Kea Resort development. Ohtani’s counsel argues the athletes were unaware that their likeness was being used to promote the plaintiffs’ separate project, and that the use was unauthorized and unpaid. The lawyers claim Balelo acted in the client’s best interest by warning the plaintiffs and threatening legal action, a protected form of speech. Kingsbarn dismissed Hayes and Matsumoto and called the allegations “frivolous and without merit.” Ohtani, a three‑time MVP, says the lawsuit diverts attention from the plaintiffs’ failures. No comment has yet been received from Hayes or Matsumoto’s attorneys.