University of Hawai'i has refused to make a settlement offer to women's basketball coach Jim Bolla, who has declined to resign, people who claim knowledge of the situation have said.

Bolla is currently on paid leave from his job as head women's basketball coach while the school investigates a player's claim that he kicked her during practice earlier this season. Bolla, who is in his fifth season as the team's head coach, has not been on the bench since Feb. 13 and is not expected to attend next week's Western Athletic Conference Tournament in Reno, Nev.

UH Manoa spokesman Gregg Takayama declined comment yesterday other than to say Bolla remains on paid leave. When reached by phone, Bolla said "no comment."

It is the second investigation of Bolla's treatment of players in less than a year, both prompted by complaints from players. The previous one, which took place during the summer of 2008, was said to have resulted in a warning letter, according to people familiar with the case.

Under terms of Bolla's contract, there are provisions for termination by UH with or without cause.

Termination without cause comes with a 90-day notice, according to the contract, and requires UH to pay damages equal to the amount left on the contract.

Bolla has two seasons remaining on a contract due to expire June 30, 2011. His annual salary is believed to be more than $120,000 per season.

If released for cause, Bolla must be given 10 days' notice but the contract says "salary and any benefits ..." end upon termination.

Grounds for cause include, according to the agreement, "committing material or repeated violations" of the contract or school policies and "engaging in conduct which is unlawful or results in coach's conviction of a crime or displays continual or serious disrespect or disregard for the character of the university or causes notorious and public scandal ..."