The attorney for University of Hawaii punter Alex Dunnachie said he is contesting the school’s authority to suspend his client.

In a letter to UH, Attorney Paul Cunney alleges "the due process procedures contained in the student-athlete code of conduct are not being followed with regard to suspensions and I am hopeful that this can be corrected before Alex’s initial court appearance (Aug. 3)."

Dunnachie has not been suspended for his July 7 arrest on a DUI allegation but Cunney notes in the letter, "I am requesting a meeting with you as soon as possible to prevent Coach (Norm) Chow from suspending Alex Dunnachie after he appears in Honolulu District Court on Friday Aug. 3, which would violate the code of conduct of the student athlete."

Cunney told the Star-Advertiser, "Two years ago I represented a baseball player. He got arrested on a Saturday. On Sunday, the next day, (UH) sent a letter out suspending him pursuant to the code of conduct of the student athletes. The way I read the rule, it is mandatory that if you are going to suspend someone you’ve got to do it within 72 hours, no ifs, ands or buts.

"To me they have missed the deadline on not only (quarterback Cayman) Shutter but I know they missed the boat with Dunnachie."

Chow declined immediate comment.

UH begins its training camp Aug. 1, two days before Dunnachie’s court date.