Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 768 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify the law regarding the prohibition on no rules combat, extreme or ultimate fighting, and other similar competitions.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committee finds that under the current law, the prohibition on no rules combat, extreme or ultimate fighting, or similar competitions, pursuant to Chapter 440D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is unclear and, thus, not properly enforced within the State. Your Committee further finds that over the past twenty-five years, the aforementioned combat contests have resulted in thirteen deaths and six cases of serious injuries nationwide. There is great concern over the protection and safety of the individuals participating in these types of combat contests, evidenced through the prohibition of some form of unarmed combat in thirteen states and the regulation of unarmed combat in twenty-four states.

Your Committee determines that further clarification of the law is necessary in order to protect against unnecessary deaths or injuries resulting from unarmed combat competitions held within the State. The inclusion of additional requirements for ensuring that a safe yet competitive and entertaining environment is maintained at these types of contests will act to better serve those participating in the events as well as the public.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of consistency and clarity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 768, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 768, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.