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

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