GM 642: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Department of Human Services, Gubernatorial Nominee, RYAN YAMANE, for a term to expire 12-07-2026. (Position corrected by GM651)

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1508

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 642

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 642, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

DIRECTOR, Department of Human Services

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Ryan Yamane for service as the Director of Human Services.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Ryan Yamane from the Governor; Department of Health; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of the Attorney General; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Executive Office on Early Learning; Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness; Department of Transportation; Hawaii Public Housing Authority; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Agriculture; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Taxation; Department of Defense; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation; Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Oahu Region; Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi; Parents and Children Together; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; The Queen's Health Systems; Healthcare Association of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association; Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi; Hawaii Credit Union League; Hawaii Friends for Civil Rights; Hawaii Association of Health Plans; AlohaCare; Matson Navigation Company, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Pacific Health; Wilcox Medical Center; Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 50; Straub Benioff Medical Center; SanHi Government Strategies LLP; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiʻi Foodbank; Pali Momi Medical Center; Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi; Retail Merchants of Hawaii; Imanaka Asato, a Limited Liability Law Company; Kaimana Hila; and thirty-five individuals.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to the nomination for the appointment of Ryan Yamane from three individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Yamane's extensive experience in state government and devotion to social work qualify him for appointment as the Director of Human Services.  Mr. Yamane is currently the interim Director of Human Services and directly manages the Department's fiscal, human resources, and budgetary responsibilities, amongst many other duties.  Previously, Mr. Yamane served as the Deputy Director of Human Resources Development from 2023 to 2024.  As Deputy Director, Mr. Yamane supported the Department of Human Resources Development to recruit, manage, and retain a high-performing workforce in the State.  Before his time in the State's executive branch, Mr. Yamane served over eighteen years in the legislative branch as a State Representative from 2005 to 2023.  During his term in public office, Mr. Yamane served as the chair of numerous House of Representatives' Standing Committees, including but not limited to the House Standing Committees on Health, Human Services, and Homelessness; Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs; and Tourism.  Serving as chair, Mr. Yamane was responsible for all policy and improvement projects under his varying committees' purviews and worked in conjunction with numerous state departments and agencies to achieve statewide policies and goals.  Throughout his long career as a legislator, Mr. Yamane also exemplified his dedication to Hawaii's social services field through his longstanding record of community volunteerism, serving as a volunteer for many social services‑ and community-based organizations, including the American Red Cross, Department of Health Medical Reserve Corps, and Honolulu Police Department, and as a member of the Leeward YMCA Board of Managers.

     Your Committee further finds that Mr. Yamane's government and volunteer experience demonstrate his understanding of the social services programs and social issues that the Department of Human Services is responsible for, such as Medicaid, Child Welfare Services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.  Testifiers in support commented that Mr. Yamane's passion for improving the well-being of Hawaii's residents, record of legislative excellence, and a problem-solving mentality will greatly benefit the Department of Human Services, especially during a time when the predictability and stability of federal social services policies are uncertain.

     Your Committee notes that in Mr. Yamane's personal statement he writes that his vision for the Department of Human Services is to lead a value driven department that provides essential services to improve the quality of life for ʻohana and keiki across the State, especially those families and communities that are most vulnerable and underserved.  Particularly, Mr. Yamane plans to streamline service delivery, reduce bureaucratic delays, and increase transparency for the Department.  Mr. Yamane believes he can achieve this through an open collaborative relationship with the Legislature, ensuring that the Department of Human Services' budget is sufficient to fund service delivery and that legislative policies are introduced and implemented to effectuate meaningful change.  Your Committee finds that Mr. Yamane has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Director of Human Services and his extensive experience in state government and the social services field will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Department of Human Services.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Ryan Yamane be appointed as the Director of Human Services based on his knowledge, background, and dedication to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,