The University of Hawaii math professor who admitted setting fire to his office door is not guilty of second-degree arson.

A state judge acquitted David Dudley Bleecker, 62, of the charge yesterday by reason of insanity.

Three court-appointed mental health examiners said Bleecker was suffering from the effects of bipolar, cognitive and other disorders and mental defects when he started a fire in the Manoa campus' Physical Science Building on June 11.

Bleecker told his examiners he wanted to burn a hole in the door to get some quarters in his desk drawer because he was homeless, hungry and out of money.

The university had suspended him from teaching one year earlier because he displayed unusual behavior. They also urged him to get evaluated for mental illness.

His wife later left him, and he lost the lease to his condominium and the key to his office.

On the day he started the fire, there was nobody on campus to let him into his office because it was the King Kamehameha Day holiday. He tried to withdraw money from the credit union on campus the day before but was kicked out because he fell asleep after he got there.

Bleecker has been receiving treatment at the Hawaii State Hospital since October.

Circuit Judge Richard Perkins will decide whether Bleecker will remain there following a hearing in August to determine whether he is a danger to himself, others and property.

In the meantime, Perkins said Bleecker can leave the hospital to live in a 24-hour group home when space becomes available.

Bleecker's lawyer said the hospital staff has determined the professor poses a low risk of danger and has already formulated a discharge plan.