Author: Site Administrator

Got Loans? USDA Offers Some Relief

Do you have an interest in food animal practice? Here’s an opportunity to support local farmers, protect our island community’s food supply, and help shape the future of Hawaii agriculture.

The USDA will fund two positions in Hawaii as part of their Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. Participants can receive up to $25,000 per year toward repayment of student loans in exchange for working in underserved regions of Kauai and Oahu.

The application process is expected to open in mid-April. We will post the information here when it becomes available. In the meantime, you can call with any questions:

JASON D. MONIZ, D.V.M.
Program Manager, Animal Disease Control Branch
Division of Animal Industry
Hawaii Department of Agriculture
(808) 483-7106

Vet Techs and Controlled Drug Reporting

The Veterinary Technician bill SB2671 is up for another hearing on Monday 3/14 at 2 pm in House conference room 325. We ask that you would again submit your testimony to support recognizing our vet techs by Sunday 3/13. If you have questions about this bill, please contact Eric Ako (akoe002@hawaii.rr.com).

Link to bill for info and for online testimony submission: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2671&year=2016

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We are still awaiting hearing dates for the electronic drug reporting bills, so stay tuned. You may also email or call your local reps at any time to let them know you support these amended bills that exempt veterinarians from all electronic controlled drug reporting requirements.

SD2461 SD1, http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2461
SD2915 SD1, http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2915&year=2016

Veterinary Technician Bill Up for Hearing – Request to Submit Testimony

As this year’s legislative process begins, our Veterinary Technician bill is up for hearing this Wednesday, Feb 3rd. Please submit your testimony to support recognizing our vet techs by Tuesday, Feb 2nd. If you have questions about this bill, please contact Eric Ako (akoe002@hawaii.rr.com).

Link to bill for info and for online testimony submission: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1955&year=2016

The Senate version of the bill (SB2671) does not currently have a hearing scheduled but is accessible at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2671&year=2016

Thank You for a Great Year!

We would like to extend a warm mahalo to our manufacturers and distributors for their support in 2015, and especially for helping us make the 62nd Annual Meeting a success! More than 300 attendees, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other veterinary professionals, enjoyed top notch continuing education, camaraderie, great food, and exhibits. Special thanks to our 2015 sponsors:

  • Boehringer-Ingelheim
  • Hills
  • Idexx
  • Merck
  • inTrauma
  • Roadrunner
  • Veterinary Orthopedic Implants

Save the dates! Our 63rd Annual Meeting and continuing education conference is scheduled for November 10-13, 2016. Stay tuned for details or visit our 2016 Conference Page for the latest.

Welcome to the New HVMA

The HVMA site has been revamped with your needs in mind! New features include information for veterinarians moving to Hawaii, resources for technicians and assistants, and expanded information for pet owners. We hope to add job announcements and classifieds in the near future.

This site is for you, and we want your feedback on what you would like to see here. Please email webmaster@hawaiivetmed.org to make suggestions. Even better, volunteer to help make your HVMA stronger:

  • We need content authors to help keep our members up to date on news events, legislative updates, pet product recalls, and more.
  • If you have any great photos you would like to see featured on our site, we would love to have them!