Bill > SCR192

This concurrent resolution requests the University of Hawaii System to establish a Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group to explore developing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, addressing Hawaii's critical shortage of veterinarians, especially in rural and agricultural settings. The proposed working group would include key stakeholders such as University of Hawaii leadership, representatives from veterinary technology programs, agricultural experts, legislative members, and private veterinary practitioners. The group would conduct a comprehensive feasibility study examining potential partnerships with mainland veterinary schools, alignment of education and workforce pipelines, infrastructure requirements, accreditation standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association, curriculum development, and funding opportunities. The current lack of a DVM program in Hawaii forces aspiring veterinarians to seek education elsewhere, which often results in graduates not returning to practice in the state. The resolution aims to address this challenge by creating a strategic approach to potentially establishing a sustainable veterinary medicine program that could meet the state's veterinary workforce needs, with a requirement to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature prior to the 2026 Regular Session.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=192&year=2025