Mysterious clip like connector holding the faucet on to the bottom of the sink?

[Powermax_181]

New person here. I have a small pedestal sink in my bathroom and I recently had to replace the shut off valve, but then the 20-year-old braided stainless supply lines started to also leak. Now I need to take that off and found that I have some mysterious connector holding the faucet on to the sink. I can’t figure how to take it off. Everyone I talk to has never seen it before. I have squeezed the long clips that come off at the bottom and struggled to get any movement, but no dice. Any idea what it is and how to get it off the Kohler faucet so I can replace the lines? Can't even get a small basin wrench on it. Thanks for the help.

 

[breplum]

not familiar with that brand but it is similar to a few "install from the top" products that have come along.
Pull the pop up rod out, look down for a slot or allen shape to use a tool from the top/center hole.

 

[Powermax_181]

not familiar with that brand but it is similar to a few "install from the top" products that have come along.
Pull the pop up rod out, look down for a slot or allen shape to use a tool from the top/center hole.

Thanks for the clue, I will try that.