Ryan I. Yamane (born October 24, 1969) is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from November 2004 to January 2023 representing District 37.[1]
Ryan Yamane | |
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Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 37th district | |
In office November 3, 2004 – January 3, 2023 | |
Preceded by | Guy Ontai |
Succeeded by | Trish La Chica |
Personal details | |
Born | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. | October 24, 1969
Political party | Democratic |
Residence | Waipio Gentry, Hawaii |
Alma mater | University of Hawaiʻi |
Yamane was reelected to a two-year term in the 2022 Hawaiʻi House of Representatives election, but resigned on January 3, 2023 to accept an appointment in Governor Josh Green's cabinet.[2] Gov. Green appointed Trish La Chica to the District 37 seat on February 15, 2023.[3]
Yamane earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology, his MSW, and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi.
As Chair of the House Health, Human Services, and Homelessness Committee he was in charge of amending House Bill 1570. A law that would attempt to rein in tobacco products aimed at young children and teens. His critics have stated that the amendments were "posion pill" amendments meant to "Tank the bill and make sure it never passes." Ryan Yamane has said that the amendments and his decisions around the bill were in no way influenced by the thousands he received in donations from big tobacco companies and corporate lobbyists.[12]