STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1233-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2170

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 2170, 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 by incorporating combat sports under the existing Boxing Commission of Hawaii, and renaming the Commission the Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Mayor of the County of Hawaiʻi; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Nokanet.

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. This measure seeks to allow for the growth of mixed martial arts in the State through a regulatory commission.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Replacing language that incorporated combat sports under the existing Boxing Commission of Hawaii and renamed the Commission the Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii, with language that establishes a Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii separate from the Boxing Commission of Hawaii; and

(2) 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. 2170, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2170, 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