Kauai prosecutors say the Hawaii Paroling Authority has ruled a man who stabbed his wife to death because he thought she was having an affair must serve at least 30 years of his life sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

The county Prosecutor’s Office said today the paroling authority set Joseph Hoapili Sr.’s minimum term to expire in 2039. Hoapili is due to be 82 years old before he becomes eligible for release.

Hoapili pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last year for stabbing his wife of 35 years, Fredlynn Hoapili, 18 times with a large kitchen knife on March 3, 2009. A judge last year sentenced him to life with the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors say Hoapili began attacking while his wife was asleep.