GOVERNOR GREEN NAMES RYAN YAMANE AS NEXT DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Yamane will succeed Betts who will be exiting the post in May

News Release from Office of the Governor, March 8, 2024

HONOLULU  ̶  Governor Josh Green, M.D., today named Ryan Yamane to succeed Cathy Betts as the Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS) when she exits her post this May. Yamane currently serves as the deputy director of the Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD).

Yamane is an experienced and dynamic leader with a background as a state Representative and a Clinical Director at Ho‘okūpono. As a state Representative from 2004 to 2023, he chaired various committees including Health, Human Services, and Homelessness, working to address the various labor and training issues each department faced. With this deep understanding, Yamane will support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Hawai‘i.

(TRANSLATION: Two decades of complicitity.)

Governor Green said, “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 Hawai‘i through the many programs the Department of Human Services offers.”

(TRANSLATION: Not a reformer.)

“That Governor Green has named me to this role is a great honor and I will work hard every day to meet the challenge and live up to his confidence in me,” Yamane said. “Serving the public that relies on DHS services is a role requiring empathy and compassion as well as knowledge of state systems we can leverage to improve lives.”

(TRANSLATION: Especially mine.  Top three.)

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

The Green Administration will begin its search for Yamane’s successor, who would not start until May at the earliest.

(TRANSLATION: Next in line to cover up for DHS.)

DHS provides important benefits and services that serve as building blocks for individuals and families in need, to achieve self-sufficiency and success on their own terms. The DHS team comprises nearly 2,400 positions across the state. DHS provides benefits and services with one of the largest state department budgets of $4.2 billion, which includes the majority of federal funds the state receives. More than 80% of these funds are distributed as benefits or services. DHS serves one in three Hawai‘i residents.

(And leaves a trail of duct-tape-tortured dead girls.)

A picture of Ryan Yamane can be found here.

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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR TO TRANSITION TO PRIVATE SECTOR IN MAY

The Governor will announce Betts’ successor in the coming days

News Release from DHS, March 7, 2024

HONOLULU — DHS Director Cathy Betts will transition from her role in May 2024, concluding a remarkable 17-year tenure with the state of Hawaiʻi.

Betts has led the department since 2020, stepping into the leadership position just a few months into the pandemic. Before that, she served as the deputy director from 2017 to 2020.

(CLUE: Top three.)

Starting her state career in the state Department of the Attorney General, Betts was initially a deputy assigned to child abuse and neglect cases, paternity, and involuntary commitment. Following that role, she became the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women, advocating for progressive legislative policies for women and girls.

(REALLY OBVIOUS QUESTION: How many tortured dead girls has the DHS system overseen recently?)

“Cathy has been a fearless warrior for our community and her staff throughout the pandemic and the Maui wildfires as DHS took on the lead role in recovery for our residents,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “She will continue to be a fierce advocate and voice for children, families, and our kūpuna through her commitment to social justice and equity.”

(TRANSLATION: She covers up well.)

During the pandemic, Betts adeptly managed the department, transitioning 1,900 employees to telework and disbursing over $79 million in relief funds. She secured federal waivers, ensuring widespread assistance and maximized support for families. Her commitment to civil legal services and co-chairing the Trauma-Informed Care task force showcased her dedication to community needs.

(TRANSLATION: She covers up well.)

“I leave this department with a grateful heart and much aloha for our hard-working DHS team. I have learned the true meaning of resilience and grit while leading this department. I am ever grateful to have served in Governor Green’s administration and will always support this team. I will continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of children and equity for underrepresented communities and serve as a mentor for others who will be the change agents of tomorrow.”

(TRANSLATION: I covered for them.)

Betts will join the Hawai‘i State Bar Association as its new Executive Director.

(TRANSLATION: A position from which I can help keep Family Court secrets.) 

The Governor will announce Betts’ successor in the coming days.

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DHS BACKGROUND:

2021: Extreme Stinginess? A look at Accused Waimanalo Child Killers’ Bankruptcy Case

Dec 2022: Green Announces Seven New Appointees--Pulls Tokioka and Yamane from House

2024: Family Court Secrets: Two Years After Ariel Sellers Murder, Kaluas Still Retain Parental Rights

2024: AGAIN: Family Court Gave Another Girl to Another Convicted Felon, She was also starved and tortured to death

SA: Human Services Department leader to change