Aloha Brothers & Sisters of IBEW Local 1260
First of all, I would like to thank the members of Local 1260 following the just completed election. I look forward to serving diligently as your new Business Manager/Financial Secretary, and I am humbled by the opportunity.
As we move into a new era of Local 1260, I would like to invite all of you to join me in moving the Local Union forward. As I said many times during my campaign, “The time for change is NOW.” The labor movement is currently under fire all across the country. Now is the time for us to seize the opportunity to become one and rise together. If we do not take action now, we may very well be left behind. I WILL NOT let that happen, not on my watch.
I truly believe that the membership is the heart and soul of the Union and that YOU deserve more from your leadership. And it's because you deserve more that I have assembled a team that is already working to restore unity, pride, and passion back in Local 1260.
Your new Staff Attorney, Teresa Morrison is currently working on the 23 grievances on file. She is also working to get our Local Office up-to-par in terms of labor laws and law strategies, all while saving the membership thousands of dollars in retainer fees.
Strategic Research Specialist Russell Takemoto is keeping a wide view of Union issues across the country to make sure Local 1260 is ahead of the curve on any potential issues that may face our members individually and as a whole.
Organizer Tommy Decano is hard at work looking for ways to grow Local 1260 to make us a stronger and more viable Union as we move forward.
Communication Specialist Russell Yamanoha is working to improve lines of communication throughout the Local Union. He will be implementing a new MEMBERS ONLY website from which members can receive information concerning the Local Union, as well as, download pertinent PDF forms. In time, he will also manage a concerted media campaign (TV, radio & print) that will highlight the members of Local 1260 as hard-working, important members of our various communities.
Above all, every member of the staff is also a Local Union Representative, able to assist all members of Local 1260.
I hope you will join me in working towards the exciting future that lies ahead of Local 1260.
Fraternally Yours,
Brian F. Ahakuelo
Business Manager / Financial Secretary
Business Manager/Financial Secretary
Brian Ahakuelo
Business Manager / Financial Secretary
My journey as an IBEW Local 1260 Member is one I have been fortunate enough to experience in some sense all my life. Growing up I looked forward to the day that I would have the privilege to be part of the great Brotherhood.
After graduating from Maryknoll High School I enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and set off for basic training. Upon returning home from boot camp in 1980, I applied for and accepted a part-time position as a Mail Bus Driver at HECO, which allowed me to attend night classes at the University of Hawai‘i where I studied Business.
During my time at the Utility I was elected by the membership as an Executive Board Member, Unit Vice Chairman, and appointed as a Shop Steward. These positions that I humbly served the membership in had an immense impact on me and how I saw my role within Local 1260. In the years to come I worked my way up to Power Plant Operator at HECO and would go on later to accept greater responsibilities within the Union.
I could not have imagined 30 years ago as a young HECO employee and 1260 member that my journey would have led me to serve the Brotherhood as Director of Organizing for the IBEW, responsible for the entire Brotherhood in the United States and Canada.
In 2010, I felt the calling to return home to Hawai`i becoming stronger every day. After many discussions with my family, I came to the decision to retire from the International Office and left Washington D.C.
I have always believed in our Local, and with every members support I know this Union can make the changes needed to move forward. ALL of us working together will change the face of IBEW Local 1260.