A lawsuit has been filed in Hawaii against MLB star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Valero, by real estate investor Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and broker Kingsburn Realty Capital. The plaintiffs allege that Ohtani and Valero interfered with their $240 million residential development project on the Hapuna coast, destabilizing the plaintiffs’ roles and undermining profits.
The lawsuit claims illegal interference and unjust enrichment, accusing the defendants of using threats to coerce business partners and dismantling projects. Hayes and his partner, Matsumoto, who have decades of experience, are seeking accountability, asserting that contractual obligations should be upheld.
The project, a partnership involving Otani purportedly to boost market interest among luxury vacation home buyers in Japan, had been in development for 11 years. Problems arose when Valero allegedly threatened to withdraw Ohtani from the agreement if his demands were not met. The lawsuit indicates that Kingsburn Realty prioritized its relationship with Valero over its obligations to other partners, culminating in the firing of Hayes and Matsumoto. The plaintiffs claim they will suffer significant financial losses as a result.
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