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os Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo of CAA, are facing a lawsuit alleging they forced out business partners in a $240 million luxury housing development in Hawaii. Real estate developer Kevin Hayes and real estate agent Tomoko Matsumoto of Hapuna Realty filed the complaint in Hawaii's circuit court, accusing Ohtani and Balelo of tortious interference with contractual and business relations and unjust enrichment.

    Hayes and Matsumoto claim they spent over a decade planning The Vista at Mauna Kea Resort on Hawaii's big island. They say Ohtani was brought in for his fame, but Balelo exploited that to extract concessions and dismantle their role in the project. The duo alleges Ohtani and Balelo used strong-arm tactics, threats, and baseless legal claims to interfere with their business dealings.

    The complaint states Balelo issued an ultimatum to Kingsbarn Realty Capital, a business partner of Hayes and Matsumoto, threatening retaliatory litigation if they didn't remove the pair from the project. Kingsbarn allegedly succumbed to this coercion, denying Hayes and Matsumoto millions in economic entitlements.

    Hayes and Matsumoto claim they were given no warning or opportunity to respond before being abruptly terminated by a Zoom call last month. Their attorney suggests Ohtani may have been misled by Balelo, implying the plaintiffs hope Ohtani will point blame at his agent.

    Ohtani was reported to be building a $17 million home in the luxury complex last year. He and Balelo will answer the complaint and seek its dismissal, likely denying allegations and presenting additional facts that complicate the situation. The case highlights a falling out between business partners, but only one side's story is currently being told.