STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1225

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 601

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 601, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

 

Director of the Department of Human Resources Development

 

G.M. No. 601

RYKER WADA,

for a term to expire at noon on 12‑05‑2022,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Ryker Wada for service as the Director of Human Resources Development.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment of Mr. Wada from the Governor; Department of Human Resources Development; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Human Services; Office of Enterprise Technology Services; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Health; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Department of Transportation; Department of Agriculture; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Public Safety; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; United Public Workers, AFSCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO; YMCA of Honolulu; Hawaii State Teachers Association; SanHi Government Strategies LLP; and nine individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Wada is currently the Director of Human Resources Development.  Previously, he served as the Deputy Director of Human Resources Development and as the Personnel Regional Officer of the Department of Education from February 2015 to January 2017.  Mr. Wada has served, among other positions, as a managing attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii; Legislative Specialist in the Business Registration Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Law Clerk at Wong Oshima, Attorneys at Law; and a staff attorney for the House of Representatives Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce during the Regular Session of 2001.  Mr. Wada was admitted to practice law in the State in 2003.  He received a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Washington.

 

     Your Committee believes that Mr. Wada, with approximately sixteen years of experience in human resources, possesses the qualifications to continue to serve as the Director of Human Resources Development.  More particularly, his invaluable experience in public sector labor relations will continue to serve him well in numerous labor protocols overseen by the Department.  Testifiers commented on Mr. Wada's intelligence, passion, commitment, leadership skills, ability to collaborate, approachability, supportive nature, strong commitment to Hawaii's public servants, and passion for public service – qualities that benefit the Department as it strives to fulfil its mandates.

 

     Your Committee notes that testifiers also remarked that Mr. Wada has demonstrated the ability to modernize the state government's workforce, provide timely and responsive leadership, resources, and service to fully support the State in recruitment and retention, and lead the Department of Human Resources Development.  As the Director of Human Resources Development, Mr. Wada oversees the planning, directing, and coordinating of the State's personnel programs and human resource management practices and also serves as the Chief Negotiator for all collective bargaining with the State's public sector union.  In his own testimony, Mr. Wada emphasized his commitment to creating a more sustainable workforce in Hawaii and contributing to society at large.  Mr. Wada strongly believes that he has the experience and tools to continue to help the Department move forward.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Wada's vast experience, leadership, and collaborative nature will continue to serve him well as the Director of Human Resources Development.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor, Culture and the Arts 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 Labor, Culture and the Arts,

 

 

 

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair