UH football player charged with assault, harassment

University of Hawaii football player Kennedy Tulimasealii officially has been charged with resisting arrest, harassment and two counts of assault in the third degree.

Tulimasealii, 21, will be arraigned in District Court on May 10.

The assault charges replace the initial accusation of two counts of abuse of a family or household member. The charges were amended because the relationship between Tulimasealii and the 20-year-old complaining witness did not meet the statutory requirement of the charge: He did not live at the witness’ McCully Street apartment where he was arrested.

Tulimasealii’s arraignment on the abuse charges, which was scheduled for this morning, will be stricken.

The assault and harassment charges are misdemeanors. The harassment charge is a petty misdemeanor.

Tulimasealii and Ka‘aumoana Gifford, who has been accused of resisting arrest during the incident, have been on indefinite suspension from football-related activities while their cases are reviewed. UH spring training ends on Friday.

Both players remain on scholarship, and are allowed to attend classes and study hall.