Sho-Time coming to Hawaii

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The biggest name in baseball is taking up part-time residency on Hawaii Island.

Arguably the most well-known athlete in the world, the Los Angeles Dodgers star has signed up to be part of an exclusive new community on the Big Island.

Shohei Otani will be the first of about 17 homeowners in the new $500 million residential development called he Vista at Mauna Kea Resort in Hapuna Estates.

“He came to visit the site a year and a half ago, and he loved the property and he selected a site,” said Tomoko Matsumoto with Hapuna Realty.

The two-time All Star recently signed a 10-year $700 million contract and said this will be his winter home, and now it gives him a shorter flight back to home to Japan.

“We are designing three homes right now, in addition to Mr. Ohtani’s, and those are going to be five bedroom, luxury homes, with swimming pool and all of that,” explained Matsumoto.

The price tag for these expansive ocean views is $17 to 20 million.

Hapuna Realty said they have the top architects working on the homes.

“We’re very happy he’s chosen our sub division and Mauna Kea Resort on Big Island and we have several exciting projects so we’re very happy,” Matsumoto added.

So far, two of the homes have been spoken for.

Matsumoto said he came to look at the land with his manager and said despite being the face of the new development, he is a private guy.

“He is a really really good guy, he’s young, smart, sense of humor a great great person, we’re happy to have him,” Matsumoto said.

“To me, Hawaii is a beautiful blend of pacific ocean cultures, this is a special place, a place I will soon call home,” Ohtani said in a press release.

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Construction is slated to begin in mid-2024 with homes ready to be lived in by late 2025.