Electrical workers vote for new chief

By Susan Hooper
Advertiser Staff Writer

The longtime leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1186, has been unseated in his bid for re-election.

Thomas Fujikawa, the local's business manager and financial secretary, received 422 votes to Gerald Yuh's 624 votes in the election, which was held June 22.

Yuh takes over the position July 17.

The union has about 2,500 members. They include federal employees at Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base and electricians for many private construction contractors, Yuh said.

Yuh, 40, has been an electrician and a union member for 16 years, and is currently a foreman with A-1A-Lectrician in Mapunapuna. He has been a member of the union's executive board, a safety instructor and a shop steward.

The candidates for president and vice president on Yuh's slate also won their positions.

The union's new president will be Damien T.K. Kim, who defeated Ricky Almodova. The union's new vice president will be Michael Ramia, who defeated Thomas L. Miguel.

Fujikawa did not return calls for comment on the election results.

Reach Susan Hooper at 525-8064 or shooper@honoluluadvertiser.com.