Airport shooter in parents' custody

By Kalani Wilhelm
Advertiser staff writer

A Kaua'i man who fired shots into the ceiling at Lihu'e Airport was released from custody to his parents yesterday to await his sentencing Nov. 17.

U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway approved the request to release Lloyd Albinio on condition that he continue to take antipsychotic medication, undergo a substance abuse assessment and post a $50,000 bond. Albinio also must be closely supervised by his family and monitored electronically, the judge said.

Mollway also said his home must be free of all other prescription medication and his stepfather, Kaua'i police officer Bruce O'Donnell, must make sure his gun is properly stored and secured.

Upon leaving the courtroom, Albinio, with his grandmother and mother at his side, said he was glad to be released and happy to be going back to Kaua'i. He will be supervised by his mother Joni and O'Donnell.

Albinio, 24, of Kapa'a, pleaded guilty on June 27 to a federal charge of interfering with airport screening personnel. When he pleaded guilty, Albinio admitted that he pointed a gun at a security officer, fired it twice into the ceiling and told people to get down on the ground.

The defense has said Albinio had suffered an "acute psychotic episode."

Federal Public Defender Peter Wolff Jr. yesterday said his client belongs with his family where he could "return to his normal life activities" until sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Porter opposed Albinio's release because of the risk he might be to the community. He also said there was no way to ensure that Albinio would not have another "psychotic episode."

But Mollway said the release plan "came as close to guaranteeing he would take his meds" as possible. She also noted that the "almost immediate change" in Albinio's mental state after taking the antipsychotic medication played a significant role in her decision.