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SR 172

REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM TO ESTABLISH A VETERINARY MEDICINE EXPANSION WORKING GROUP TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING A DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PROGRAM AT WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Donovan Dela Cruz

Hawaii Senate directs UH System to study feasibility of veterinary medicine degree program at Windward Community College to address state shortage and access barriers.

Report and Resolution Adopted.
#doctorofveterinarymedicine #report #uh #windwardcommunitycollege #workinggroup
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Bill Summary · SR 172

Legislative bill overview

SR 172 requests the University of Hawaii System establish a working group to study the feasibility of creating a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Windward Community College. The resolution has already been adopted by the Hawaii Senate as of April 1, 2025, making this a formal directive rather than pending legislation.

Why is this important

Hawaii currently has no accredited veterinary medicine program, forcing residents to attend schools on the mainland at significantly higher costs. A DVM program at a community college could increase access to veterinary education, address potential veterinary professional shortages in the state, and keep tuition revenue within Hawaii's education system.

Potential points of contention

  • Accreditation challenges: Establishing an accredited DVM program requires substantial resources, faculty expertise, and clinical facilities; community colleges typically lack infrastructure for such programs, and accreditation bodies have rigorous standards
  • Financial feasibility: DVM programs are expensive to develop and operate; the working group must determine whether state funding is sustainable long-term, especially if enrollment doesn't meet projections
  • Institutional appropriateness: Questions about whether a community college is the right venue versus a research university, and whether this diverts limited resources from other educational priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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