HI HR188

Requests the University of Hawaii System to establish a Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group to explore feasibility of developing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Windward Community College.

Working Group must include representatives from Windward Community College's Veterinary Technology program, UH at Hilo's Veterinarian Education Program, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Board of Agriculture, private veterinary practitioners, one House member, one Senate member, and one UH System representative.

Working Group must conduct a feasibility study examining partnerships with mainland veterinary schools, workforce pipeline alignment, required infrastructure and facilities, American Veterinary Medical Association accreditation requirements, faculty and curriculum needs, and funding availability through public-private partnerships and federal grants.

Study must assess demand for the DVM program and determine the most optimal University of Hawaii System campus for integration.

Working Group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session convenes.