Bill > SB493

This bill addresses the critical shortage of veterinarians in Hawaii by establishing the Veterinarian Workforce Development Special Fund, a comprehensive program designed to attract and retain veterinary professionals in the state. The legislation creates a $60 license renewal fee for veterinarians, which will be deposited into a special fund to support workforce development efforts. The fund will finance a loan repayment and scholarship program that provides financial assistance to veterinary students and practicing veterinarians who commit to working in shortage areas of Hawaii. Recognizing that veterinary education is expensive (typically costing between $150,000 and $400,000) and that Hawaii lacks a veterinary school, the bill aims to incentivize veterinarians to practice in the state by offering financial support. The program will offer loan repayments to veterinarians working in underserved areas and scholarships to veterinary students who agree to return and work in Hawaii after graduation. If scholarship or loan recipients fail to fulfill their service commitment, they will be required to repay the funds, with potential waivers for good cause. The ultimate goals are to address the current low veterinarian growth rate (approximately 1.6% annually), enhance the agricultural industry, and improve veterinary service availability across the state.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=493&year=2025