Kaniela Tuipulotu, a former all-state defensive tackle from Kahuku High School, has received a release from Arizona and will transfer to the University of Hawai'i.

Tuipulotu, who is 6-feet-3 and 300 pounds, must sit out the 2009 season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. After that, he will have two seasons of football eligibility with the Warriors.

"He was a stud defensive lineman for us," said Reggie Torres, Kahuku's head football coach. "He started for Arizona. He liked the program but he missed home."

Tuipulotu's sister, who lives on the Mainland and is moving back to Hawai'i, spurred his decision to change schools.