SCR 215: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PILOT PROGRAM AT JAMES CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL, FOCUSING ON ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR TROUBLED YOUTH.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN PILOT PROGRAM AT JAMES CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL, FOCUSING ON ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY FOR TROUBLED YOUTH.

     WHEREAS, James Campbell High School has taken significant steps toward establishing a veterinary technician pilot program, including securing early college classes through Windward Community College; and

     WHEREAS, the potential program seeks to incorporate animal-assisted therapy to support troubled youth by giving them the opportunity to care for animals, which can help foster empathy, responsibility, and emotional growth; and

     WHEREAS, animal-assisted therapy has been shown to provide therapeutic benefits to individuals facing emotional or behavioral challenges, and these programs help build essential life skills, including responsibility, empathy, and compassion for living creatures; and

     WHEREAS, in order to ensure a safe and effective environment for both students and animals, the potential program intends to adhere to rigorous standards, including:

     (1)  Comprehensive training:  Mandatory and thorough training provided by qualified organizations such as the Hawaii Humane Society for both staff and students;

     (2)  Supervision:  Consistent oversight by qualified staff and instructors to ensure proper animal handling and safety at all times;

     (3)  Safety:  Strict adherence to established safety protocols to protect both students and animals, ensuring a secure environment for all participants; and

     (4)  Liability coverage:  Appropriate insurance coverage to address potential liability concerns that may arise from student interactions with animals; and

     WHEREAS, the success of this program has the potential to expand to other schools statewide, positively impacting students' emotional and psychological well-being, and preparing them for careers in veterinary science, animal care, and other related fields; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education is requested to implement at James Campbell High School a veterinary technician pilot program, including animal‑assisted therapy for troubled youth; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education and Principal of James Campbell High School.

Report Title:

Department of Education; Veterinary Technician; Pilot Program; James Campbell High School