For Immediate Release: November 22, 2022
Contact: Matt Spence 202-728-6014
IBEW Statement on the Convictions of Brian Ahakuelo and Marilyn Ahakuelo
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers issued the following statement upon the conviction of Brian Ahakuelo and Marilyn Ahakuelo on Monday, Nov. 21:
The convictions of Brian Ahakuelo and his wife, Marilyn Ahakuelo, by a jury of their peers are a long time coming. These convictions are the direct result of the IBEW’s vigilance and dogged pursuit of justice for its members. The IBEW thanks the jury and prosecution team for ensuring that justice was served.
In 2016, upon discovering irregularities in both local union spending and in the procedures surrounding a controversial dues increase, IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson placed Local 1260 under International Trusteeship and returned roughly $3.75 million to Local 1260’s members. Brian Ahakuelo and Marilyn Ahakuelo were each then expelled from the IBEW for life after internal union hearings were held.
Immediately after placing Local 1260 under trusteeship in 2016, the IBEW alerted authorities to what the IBEW believed to be potentially criminal behavior by Brian Ahakuelo, and in the intervening years, IBEW officers and staff have cooperated with law enforcement’s investigation at every step to ensure justice for the members of Local 1260.
Because of the swift and decisive actions of IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson, IBEW 9thDistrict International Vice-President John O’Rourke, and IBEW International Representative Harold Dias, who served as the trustee of Local 1260 after it was placed under trusteeship, Local 1260 is back on firm financial footing with duly elected officers. Led by Business Manager LeRoy Chincio Jr., Local 1260 is focused on serving the local’s membership, negotiating fair contracts and improving the lives of working people across Hawaii and Guam.
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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.