A potentially volatile and drawn-out conflict at Kapiolani Community College ended quietly as Chancellor Leon Richards on Thursday announced he would resign.

A series of no-confidence votes against him by the Faculty Senate and Student Congress, as well as councils representing staff and Native Hawaiian faculty and staff, led to his departure from the top post, which takes effect after commencement on May 15.

“The focus on students was becoming secondary, and it’s not in my nature to ever allow that to happen,” Richards said.

Richards’s lawyer, Michael Green, also said the longtime educator wouldn’t sue, even though — in Green’s view — he has a good due-process case.

The conclusion to this drama must come as a relief for students, who don’t need any more distractions. As for Richards’ replacement, whoever that may be — tread carefully.