In a rambling statement to the court, Giddens, 29, said that he understands it was against the law, but continues to believe he was acting appropriately to protect his family.

Giddens on Sept. 18, 2000, sent his girlfriend and his son away and launched on a shooting rampage that shattered windows, pockmarked cars and homes in his Hanama'ulu neighborhood.

Giddens fired at a passing pickup truck at nearby Hanama'ulu Beach Park, injuring Nelson Cuba, then returned to his home, walked next door, and shot to death Colan Fernandez. Both Giddens and the Fernandez family said the men didn't know each other. Fernandez had been sitting in his garage waiting for a ride to work.

The victim's son, Colan Fernandez Jr., said the family continues to be shocked at Giddens' lack of remorse. The life sentence is a kind of relief, but "it doesn't solve anything for us," he said.

At his trial, Giddens displayed a rampant paranoia, accusing his neighbors of spying on him. His attorney, James Itamura, told the court yesterday that he exercised "excessive vigilance" and needed counseling.

Giddens himself conceded that he "built a delusional world around myself."

The defense had argued he was mentally ill, but most of the specialists who examined him said much of Giddens' paranoia and other symptoms were drug-related.