HONOLULU (AP) — A suspended University of Hawaii football player is expected to plead no contest to charges stemming from two separate incidents.
University of Hawaii football player Kennedy Tulimasealii is accused of damaging a navigation system on April 1 in a vehicle owned by the father of his ex-girlfriend, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported (http://bit.ly/1TOZba9 ). Tulimasealii waived a preliminary hearing in the case and has a June 9 court date.
Deputy Prosecutor Moanikeala Crowell said in court that the state is prepared to proceed in the case.
Tulimasealii is expected in court June 26 on charges of assault, resisting arrest and harassment in an April 12 confrontation with authorities that was related to a dispute with his ex-girlfriend. He was originally arrested on suspicion of abuse of a family or household member.
Lawyer Michael Green said he will ask that the cases be heard June 26 to try and “work out a disposition that is satisfactory to everyone so we can get him back on course with his life.”
Green said his client plans to plead no contest and ask for a deferral if the judge agrees to his request.
“I want him treated like any other person charged with a crime,” Green said. “I don’t want him being treated special because he’s an athlete. That’s a two-edged sword. Why would a lawyer say that? I don’t want him to be punished any greater than someone who’s never been convicted of a crime. I want him to be treated the same way. My sense is that will be done.”
Tulimasealii remains enrolled at the university on a football scholarship.