Defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii has been dismissed from the University of Hawaii football team for violating the athletic department’s code of conduct, the school announced today.

UH athletic director David Matlin said in statement, “Defensive lineman Kennedy Tulimasealii has been dismissed from the University of Hawaii football team for violating the UH student-athlete conduct code.”

The code states that “any student-athlete convicted of or pleading guilty or no contest to a felony charge shall be permanently dismissed from the team.”

In regards to his scholarship, the code states “the grant-in-aid shall not be renewed for any successive academic years.” An appeal process is available.

“We hope that Kennedy will continue his college education and work toward receiving his degree. He will always be a part of the Rainbow Warrior ʻohana and we hope that his recent troubles do not define his life,” Matlin said.

Two weeks ago, Tulimasealii pleaded no contest to six criminal charges, including a felony accusation for property damage.

Tulimasealii is seeking a deferral, which would give him an opportunity to have the charges expunged if he remains out of trouble for a specified period of time. A Circuit Court judge will rule on the deferral request on an Aug. 24 sentencing hearing.

Tulimasealii has been on suspension from team activities following his arrest in April.

The former Waianae High star is considered the Warriors best defensive lineman, leading the team in tackles for losses last season.