STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1533

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 1027

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 1027, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMBAT SPORTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to replace the existing Mixed Martial Arts Program with a new regulatory framework under the authority a Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the City Council of the City and County of Honolulu and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committee finds that mixed martial arts allow for the use of striking and grappling techniques; standing and on-the-ground combat; and blend boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate, judo, and other combat styles. Your Committee further finds that a regulatory commission specializing in combat sports may further promote the State's ability to attract major combat sports events.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that the Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii is to be placed within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for administrative purposes;

(2) Requiring that members of the Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii have experience in combat sports contests as a contestant or in the promotion or administration of such contests;

(3) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1027, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1027, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair