Category: Island Updates

Legislative Update July 2018

SB 2461

July 18, 2018
Enacted into law without Governor’s signature

This new law:

1.     Creates the offense of misrepresenting a service animal if a person knowingly misrepresents as a service animal any animal that does not meet the requirements of a service animal;

2.     Specifies that this offense is a misdemeanor punishable by no more than 6 months in jail and a fine of no less than $250 but no more than $2,000 for the second offense and each offense thereafter;

3.     Changes the term service dog to service animal; and

4.     Amends the definition of a service animal to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

HB 2081

July 18, 2018
Signed into law

This new law:

 1.     Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources in order to provide assistance and additional funding to the National Wildlife Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

2.     Specifies that this appropriation allows the Department of Agriculture to conduct pilot field studies to evaluate control tools and develop a management plan for reducing the rose-ringed parakeet population on Kauai.

AVMF Extends Disaster Relief to Hawaii Veterinarians

AVMF Disaster Relief and Reimbursement Grants

 The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) provides two grant programs to help veterinarians and the animals they care for during times of disaster. Grants are available to support victims of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires or oil spills.

 Disaster Reimbursement Grants for Veterinary Medical Care

Purpose: The AVMF disaster reimbursement grants are for the purpose of ensuring the emergency veterinary medical care of animal victims of disaster.

 Awards: Up to $5,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters.  AVMF reimburses for the actual cost of medical supplies purchased directly from a vendor. Modest boarding costs may also be covered. 

Disaster Relief Grant for Veterinarians

Purpose: The AVMF disaster relief grants are for the purpose of assisting veterinarians who have experienced an emergency need for basic necessities due to a disaster. The grants would cover items such as clothing, temporary housing, transportation and meals that were needed immediately following a disaster.

 Awards: Up to $2,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following a disaster. AVMF reimburses for the actual cost of items purchased directly from a vendor. Modest housing costs may be covered for emergency temporary shelter.

 Application Procedure

The applications are posted on the AVMF website. Applicants should follow the online directions for submitting the application and the expense chart. Limited funds are currently available and approved on a first come, first served basis.

Deadline:  Applications must be received no later than 120 days following the disaster.

 More Information: Please contact Cheri Kowal, Senior Manager, Programs and Operations, 847-285-6691 or CKowal@AVMA.org

Open Nominations 2018

HVMA Board Member Elections 2018

President-Elect
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Hawaii County Representatives (2)
Maui County Representative (1)
Executive Vice-President

More information about board positions may be found in our bylaws. You may also contact the nominating committee or any current board member if you have further questions.

Please submit your nominations to nominating_committee@hawaiivetmed.org by September 1, 2018.

Elections will be held at 1 pm on Saturday November 10, 2018 during our HVMA 65th Annual Meeting at the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel.

In Remembrance of Timothy Lau, DVM


Devoted husband and father and beloved island veterinarian, Dr. Timothy S.Y. Lau, 83, died on March 31, 2018 with his family by his side. Known to many as “Tim” or “Timmy” but known to most as “Dr. Lau”, he was born in Honolulu on August 1, 1934 to Chun Kwong and Pui Lan (Chang) Lau and married his college sweetheart, Violet Lee, in 1957. Dr. Lau attended St. Louis High School and the University of Hawaii earning a B.S. in Animal Husbandry. He brought his multitasking skills with him to Ohio State University earning a Master’s degree in Animal Science while producing twin sons and to Iowa State University earning a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine while producing two daughters.

Kalihi Pet Clinic opened its doors in 1965 at Kalihi Shopping Center. The early years found Dr. Lau holding down two additional jobs. With a heavy dose of caring and compassion, Dr. Lau’s practice grew along with his popularity. After 40 years in Kalihi, Dr. Lau moved his practice to its current location on Beretania Street in Moiliili where it continues to serve the community. Regardless of the location, his clients all remember the jam-packed waiting rooms, how quick and thorough he was, with great stories and a smile tossed in for good measure. He was a man in his element. After fifty years, he finally retired at the age of 80 from his lifelong passion.

Being a veterinarian may have defined much of his life, but he was so much more to those who knew him. Generous and thoughtful, he always had a soft spot for someone in a tight situation or someone just starting out and struggling to make it. Aside from his veterinary practice, his interests included physical fitness, martial arts, volleyball and golf. But his family always came first. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Violet, his sons, Keith (Jasmin) and Kent (Gwen) Lau, his daughters, Stacey (Ian) Zwicker and Allison (Ryan) Mau, four grandchildren, Taylor, Morgan and Ian Welsh and Jared Lau, and siblings Merton (Claire), Lester (Gloria) and LaVay Lau.

Funeral service will be held on Monday May 14, 2018 at 5 pm at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel 535 18th Ave Honolulu. Viewing from 3:00 pm until the time of service. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hawaiian Humane Society. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary