Green Names New Director For Human Services Department

Ryan Yamane is a former Hawaii legislator who is deputy director of another state agency.

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Ryan Yamane is a former Hawaii legislator who is deputy director of another state agency.

Just one day after announcing the departure of a Cabinet official, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Friday named a replacement.

Ryan Yamane will succeed Cathy Betts as the director of the Department of Human Services in May, when Betts leaves government work.

Ryan Yamane.

Yamane currently serves as the deputy director of the Department of Human Resources Development.

He served in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 2004 to 2023, where he chaired committees focused on health, human services and homelessness, according to a press release from the administration.

Green said in a statement, “I have worked side by side with Ryan for nearly two decades, and I am grateful for his willingness to step up, especially in this critical time where we are supporting the housing and recovery of Maui wildfire survivors, as well as the many people across our state who rely on the department. He will immediately work to care for the people of Hawaii through the many programs the Department of Human Services offers.”

Yamane’s nomination is subject to advice and consent of the Hawaii Senate.

The administration will soon look for a successor at the DHRD position.

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