HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green on Friday nominated Ryan Kanakaʻole as the new first deputy for the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, according to a news release from the Office of the Governor.

Kanakaʻole is currently a deputy attorney general with the Department of the Attorney General. He begins his new role on Jan. 16 and will need to be confirmed by the Hawaii State Senate.

Kanakaʻole most recently served as an attorney for the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Mauna Kea Stewardship Oversight Authority. He also served as the deputy AG for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands from 2017 to 2023. He was also appointed to the Public Land Trust Working Group because of his expertise on issues related to public land trust.

“We are so fortunate to have someone with Ryan’s deep understanding of state government operations, including those of the DLNR," said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang in the release. "He will be instrumental in continuing to build relationships with stakeholders, lawmakers, and communities and fostering DLNR’s conservation mission.”

Kanakaʻole said, “I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity from Governor Green and Chair Chang to continue serving Hawaii by upholding the responsibilities entrusted to DLNR in safeguarding and nurturing our lands, waters, and culture for future generations.”

Former DLNR first deputy Laura Kaakua left to take on a new role working on Native Hawaiian issues at the Department of Transportation.

Of Kaakua’s service to DLNR, Chang said, “Laura has served the department and the people of Hawaii with passion and humility, especially in aina-based communities. I am confident she will continue to build bridges, with her dedication and commitment, leading to better government and a more sustainable future.”