UPW local's caretaker lets elected slate assume power

Associated Press

Control of the United Public Workers Local 646 has been returned to the local union.

The parent American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees took over the local's daily operations in December 2002, shortly after it suspended state director Gary Rodrigues, who, along with his daughter Robin Rodrigues Sabatini, was convicted on federal charges of mail fraud, money laundering, embezzlement and accepting kickbacks.

Rodrigues, once one of the most influential labor leaders in the state, resigned the day after his suspension. He was sentenced in September to five years and four months in prison but he remains free pending appeal.

Rodrigues was replaced by his longtime supporter Dwight Takeno. However, Dayton Nakanelua was elected as state director last December.

Nakanelua, a former state labor director and longtime UPW official, and his slate of officers were sworn in yesterday at a meeting on Maui of the UPW State Executive Board.

Elizabeth Ho, who had been serving as UPW administrator, will return to her position as the parent union's area director for Hawai'i.

The local represents more than 12,000 active and 2,800 retired members.