A man who was sent to Hawai‘i State Hospital after the murder of a Hawai‘i Kai girl in 1975 is seeking conditional release or unescorted, off-grounds passes.
Paul Abraham Luiz, now 55, was found guilty of murdering 16-year-old Barbara Seibel, but in the second phase of his trial was acquitted by reason of insanity. He has been at the state hospital for nearly half his life.
He also was accused of attacking other women at knifepoint and was diagnosed as a sexual sadist.
Circuit Judge Reynaldo Graulty has granted the state’s request to examine Luiz to determine his potential for danger. His motion for conditional release will be considered after the examination.
Luiz’s attorney, Peter Ross, said a medical expert hired by the defense is expected to show that Luiz is no longer mentally ill and poses no danger to himself or others.
One psychologist who examined Luiz this month recommended that Luiz be gradually placed in a less restrictive environment, but in a way that would ensure the community’s safety.
