DLNR Leadership Shift: Kanaka‘ole Named Acting Director During Chang Leave

On December 29, 2025 Governor Josh Green announced that Dawn Chang, chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, was on medical leave and that DLNR Deputy Director Ryan Kanaka‘ole had been appointed acting chair and director effective immediately. The governor also sent aloha and well wishes to Chang as the agency implements the temporary transition in leadership.

DLNR is the state agency responsible for managing Hawai‘i’s public lands, coastal and inland waters, fisheries, forests and native species. For Kauai residents, the agency’s work touches land use permits, shoreline access, watershed protection, hunting and fishing regulation, invasive species control, and stewardship of endangered species and cultural sites. The appointment of an acting director is intended to preserve continuity of those functions while the chair is on medical leave.

Kanaka‘ole steps into the role from his position as deputy director, a senior administrative post that oversees day-to-day operations across DLNR divisions. The temporary assignment places him at the helm for administrative decisions, operational oversight and ongoing projects until Chang returns or a different arrangement is announced. Officials have emphasized the change is an administrative measure to ensure the agency remains fully operational during the chair’s absence.

For residents and stakeholders, the key immediate question is whether routine services and pending decisions will continue on schedule. Agency continuity is especially important for time-sensitive matters such as permitting, emergency responses to coastal or watershed events, and active conservation projects. Local governments, nonprofit partners and private permit applicants should monitor DLNR communications for updates on timelines and points of contact.

This personnel shift underscores the broader importance of clear succession practices and transparent communication in state agencies that manage critical natural resources. Kauai communities dependent on DLNR programs should expect operations to continue under acting leadership but remain alert for any notices about temporary changes to procedures or contacts. Check official DLNR channels for the latest announcements and for information on where to direct questions during this period of transition.