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.

This Senate Resolution (SR 172) requests the University of Hawaii System to form a working group to study whether Windward Community College can develop a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The working group must assess feasibility, including accreditation requirements, needed facilities, faculty, funding sources, and partnerships with mainland veterinary schools. It directly addresses Hawaii’s critical shortage of veterinarians - particularly for rural and agricultural areas - by exploring a local pathway to train future vets. The resolution does not create the program but requires a report by late 2025 to inform future legislative action.