University of Hawaii defensive tackles Kennedy Tulimasealii and Ka‘aumoana Gifford will be arraigned next month in Honolulu District Court on misdemeanor charges stemming from a confrontation Tuesday with police at a McCully apartment.
Tulimasealii, 21, was arrested on misdemeanor charges that include two counts of domestic abuse, one count each of harassment and resisting arrest and two outstanding warrants. He was treated at Straub Clinic and Hospital for exposure to pepper spray used by police during his arrest. His bail was set at $5,650.
Gifford, 20, is accused of obstruction for allegedly attempting to prevent Tulimasealii’s arrest. His bail was set at $500.
Both Rainbow Warriors football players are free after posting bail bonds.
Police were summoned to a disturbance in an apartment on McCully Street just before 6 a.m. Tuesday, and a 20-year-old woman reported that she was scratched during a fight with Tulimasealii. She was treated for the scratches at the scene.
Police used pepper spray on Tulimasealii when he allegedly resisted arrest, and arrested Gifford for allegedly trying to interfere.
Misdemeanor offenses are punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and a $2,000 fine, and are typically handled by a District Court judge, but the players could demand a Circuit Court jury trial.
The harassment charge against Tulimasealii is a petty misdemeanor — the least serious type of criminal offense in Hawaii — punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Tulimasealii has a Family Court hearing in District Court on April 26 on the two charges of abuse of a family member. Both players are required to appear in District Court on May 10.
The UH student-athlete code of conduct recommends suspension for players arrested on misdemeanor accusations. Players are allowed to remain on scholarship and attend classes while on suspension.
