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HCR 195

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 Sean Quinlan

Creates a UH Working Group to study launching a Hawaii DVM program with WCC, tackling rural vet shortages, assessing partnerships, accreditation, funding, and a 2026 report.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 554).
#doctorofveterinarymedicine #report #uh #windwardcommunitycollege #workinggroup
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Bill Summary · HCR 195

Summary — HCR 195 (2025) — Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group

Status: Concurrent Resolution (received from House Hse. Com. No. 554)
Introduced: March 7, 2025
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Quinlan
Companion: HR 188
Report deadline: Report of findings and recommendations due no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026

Purpose / Intent

HCR 195 requests the University of Hawaii (UH) System to establish a Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group to explore the feasibility of developing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program associated with Windward Community College (WCC). The resolution responds to a documented shortage of veterinarians in Hawaii — particularly in rural areas and for large-animal/agricultural practice — and the state's current lack of an in‑state DVM degree, which forces students to obtain training off-island.

Key provisions

  • Requests UH System to form a Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group.
  • Specifies membership (HD2 version is the most recent): includes representatives from
    • WCC Veterinary Technology program
    • UH Hilo Veterinarian Education Program
    • Dean (or designee) of UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience
    • Chair (or designee) of the Board of Agriculture
    • Private veterinary practitioners (large and small animal) invited by the UH President
    • One House member (appointed by Speaker)
    • One Senate member (appointed by Senate President)
    • One UH System representative to act for the Working Group
    • Any other stakeholders deemed necessary
  • Directs the Working Group to conduct a feasibility study covering:
    • Potential partnerships with mainland veterinary schools for clinical rotations
    • Alignment of education and workforce pipelines to support a DVM program
    • Infrastructure and facilities requirements
    • Ability to meet accreditation requirements (AVMA)
    • Faculty and curriculum needs to meet accreditation
    • Availability of funding (including public‑private partnerships and federal grants)
    • (HD2 addition) Assess demand for a DVM program and optimal integration within UH System campuses
  • Requests the Working Group to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation by the specified 2026 deadline.
  • Directs certified copies of the resolution to UH leadership, Board of Agriculture, relevant deans and chancellors, and WCC advisory committee members.

Notable clarifications and differences between versions

  • HD2 adds an explicit note that community colleges are not currently authorized to offer doctoral programs and that institutional accreditation is required (WASC Senior College and University Commission or other regional accreditor).
  • HD2 adds a UH System representative to the Working Group and an explicit requirement to assess demand and optimal campus placement.

Who is affected / potential impact

  • University of Hawaii System (planning, accreditation, partnerships)
  • Windward Community College and its Veterinary Technology program (program expansion considerations)
  • Prospective veterinary students in Hawaii (could reduce out‑of‑state training costs and retention loss)
  • Rural and agricultural sectors needing large-animal and agricultural veterinary services
  • Private veterinary practitioners (as partners and potential clinical sites)

Procedural notes

  • This is a concurrent resolution requesting (non‑binding) action by the UH System; it does not appropriate funds.
  • Legislative actions: Passed out of HED and AGR with amendments (HD1 → HD2). Reported to HRE and received from House (Hse. Com. No. 554). Adopted as amended in HD2 on 2025-04-03 with one no vote recorded (Rep. Pierick) and two excused.

This resolution initiates a formal study and stakeholder process to evaluate whether and how a DVM pathway could be established in Hawaii, including accreditation, funding, partnerships and campus placement considerations.

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

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