Gary Germano grew up surrounded by the electrical trade long before he ever imagined joining it. He spent his childhood in the neighborhoods of Kaimuki and Waimanalo where he watched his relatives who work as electricians, operators, groundmen, linemen, communication Specialist and saw how the trade could support a family and build a future. Those early impressions stayed with him, even as he tried to carve his own path.   After graduating from University Laboratory High scho

It’s easy to throw out vague questions meant to distract and frustrate. That isn’t leadership — it’s avoidance. Members have asked what our approach would look like, and we understand why. After years of uncertainty, people want clarity, direction, and a plan that actually delivers. The truth is simple: results matter. For nearly two decades, too many contracts have failed to keep pace with Hawaiʻi’s rising cost of living. Wages have lagged behind real needs. Benefits have be

Brothers and Sisters of IBEW Local 1186 – We Need Transparency Now on Contract Talks Aloha, ohana. There are growing talks circulating among our signatory contractors and members that the current administration is not communicating effectively — or simply does not have an updated contract ready to show — when contractors ask about the status of new contract negotiations. This isn’t just a paperwork delay or a minor administrative hiccup. It’s a serious breakdown that directl

Ted Kaneda, (Second from left), Gold Medal at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Competition Ted Kaneda never set out to become an electrician. In 2002, he left home for Oregon State University, following his cousin Charles Tanabe and planning to become a teacher. His father owned a restaurant, and teaching felt like a stable, meaningful path, one that would let him build a good life while serving others. But when Ted returned home in 2005, reality hit hard. Many of his friends who had beco

Local unions exist to embody the spirit and mission of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, yet there are concerns that the local’s current practices do not align with the IBEW’s foundational Declaration of Principles  or its stated objectives . These principles emphasize justice, solidarity, fair labor standards, and the elevation of members’ well‑being. When measured against these standards, several gaps become clear. 1. Lack of Effective Organizing and Rep

The pay stub tells a story that’s become far too familiar in Hawaiʻi. It belongs to a former Local 1186 brother, someone who grew up here, trained here, worked here, and wanted nothing more than to build a life in the islands he calls home. But the math stopped working. The cost of living kept climbing (32% over the last 10 years). Union wages stayed flat. And eventually, he had to make the heartbreaking decision to pack up his life and leave. Today, he’s working under IBEW

Supporting our community has always been part of who we are, whether it’s helping charities, backing first responders, supporting schools, honoring veterans, or standing with labor allies. Those contributions matter, and they strengthen the foundation of union labor in Hawaiʻi. But when we look at the bigger picture of how our dues are spent, some numbers in the union’s public 2024 LM‑2 report raise important questions about priorities and transparency. A $27 Million Snapshot

It’s easy to throw out vague, u nanswerable questions, especially when the goal is to confuse, frustrate, or distract. But that isn’t leadership. That’s deflection. Over the past few weeks, many members have asked what our plan will be if elected. The concern is real, and the fear of the unknown is understandable. We hear you. But the real issue isn’t about predictions. It’s about results. For nearly two decades, too many contracts have fallen short of what our members deserv

Another Broken Promise: Why Members Are Demanding Real Transparency Fellow IBEW Local 1186 members — Our team at MembersFirst 1186  believes that transparency isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of trust in any union, and it’s something every dues‑paying member deserves without hesitation. That’s why what happened recently should concern all of us. A Simple Request for Transparency On March 21st, we submitted a formal and respectful request to the official union email address

Political endorsements are a form of campaigning. Recent Local 1186 newsletters have included language that appears endorsement-like. This underscores the need for union leaders to remain neutral in official communications to maintain member trust. Why This Matters for Local 1186 Local 1186 represents members with diverse political views. Because of this diversity, union leadership is expected to remain neutral when acting in an official capacity . Members rely on leaders to

For too long, our members have waited for a fair and competitive contract—one that delivers meaningful gains rather than stagnation, with no new money introduced and real losses to our earning power and benefits over time. Our union deserves strong, proactive leadership that puts your interests first, fights for what we earn, and delivers real, tangible results for every member. At Members First 1186, we commit to the following priorities if elected: Consistent monitoring and

As the union prepares for the 2026 elections, a dedicated group of members has stepped forward to offer their leadership, their experience, and their commitment to putting members and their families first. These candidates share a united vision: to strengthen the union by expanding opportunities, improving benefits, and building a stronger, more secure future for every member of our union. Local Union Members Announce Their Candidacy for the 2026 Elections This year’s slate i

As Local 1186 approaches the June 13, 2026 elections, members have a powerful opportunity to shape the direction of their union for years to come. Voting is more than a procedural step — it is the foundation of union democracy, the tool that ensures leadership remains accountable, and the way members make their voices heard in decisions that affect their livelihoods, their families, and their future. This year, a slate of candidates led by Charles Tanabe  brings together deca

For decades, unions in Hawai`i have stood as some of Hawai‘i’s most important pillars of worker strength, community support, and industry leadership. As the islands continue to grow and evolve, the role of local unions remains essential—not only in protecting the rights of its members, but in shaping the future of Hawai‘i’s workforce and the communities they serve. Putting our members and their families first Local unions represent skilled professionals whose work keeps Hawai