S.R. NO. 172 Summary

• Request that the University of Hawaii System establish a Veterinary Medicine Expansion Working Group to study the feasibility of developing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at Windward Community College.

• Working group composition includes representatives from Windward Community College's Veterinary Technology program, UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Board of Agriculture, private veterinary practitioners, one House member, one Senate member, and other stakeholders as needed.

• Feasibility study must address 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 including public-private partnerships and federal grants.

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