Lesser term sought in care-home death
By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer
KAILUA — Raquel Bermisa, the Pearl City adult-care home operator convicted of manslaughter after one of her residents died of neglect, asked the Hawaii Paroling Authority today to set a new minimum term.
Bermisa was convicted in the August 1999 death of Chiyeko Tanouye, a 79-year-old resident of her care home.
Bermisa told the board today she was remorseful.
"Every day of my life, as I live and breathe, I am very sorry for Mrs. Tanouye," she told the board tearfully.
Bermisa had ignored a doctor's instructions that summer to bring Tanouye in for treatment.
Several weeks later, Bermisa finally brought the retired Diamond Bakery clerk to a hospital emergency room, unconscious.
Tanouye died of septicemia, a painful infection brought on by advanced decubitus ulcers, commonly known as bed sores.
By statute, Bermisa was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of six years and eight months because of sentencing provisions that apply when victims are over 60.
But in December, then-Gov. Ben Cayetano commuted her sentence to four years.
It was one of his last official decisions as governor.
Bermisa has been at the Women's Community Correctional Center for about two years.
The three-member parole board could give Bermisa a new minimum term, order her to serve the full four years, release her, or parole her, which means she would be under the board's supervision until the four years are up.
The paroling authority is expected to take three weeks to make its decision.
Bermisa originally pleaded guilty to manslaughter in March 2000 — which carried a maximum 20-year sentence — in return for a prosecution promise that the state would seek no more than a year in jail.
She withdrew her plea four months later and went to trial after changing attorneys and being told that a medical expert would testify she was not responsible for Tanouye's death.
Bermisa was convicted in October 2000.
Tanouye's son, Russell, said he misses his mother.
The 49-year-old Mililani man said Cayetano was wrong to get involved and subsequent support for Bermisa is insensitive.
Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.
