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.

HCR 195 requests the University of Hawaii System to form a working group to study the feasibility of creating a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Windward Community College. The resolution addresses Hawaii's shortage of veterinarians, particularly for rural areas and agricultural needs, by exploring how to expand the college's existing Veterinary Technology program into a DVM pathway. The working group must assess accreditation requirements, infrastructure needs, potential partnerships with mainland veterinary schools, faculty and curriculum needs, and funding options. This study would determine if establishing a local DVM program is viable before any legislative action is taken. The resolution does not create the program but initiates a feasibility review to address workforce gaps.