STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2942

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2013

       H.D. 2

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development and Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2013, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATED TO MIXED MARTIAL ARTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify that kickboxing, pankration, muay Thai, and xtreme martial arts are included in the definition of "mixed martial arts".

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Regulated Industries Complaints Office of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

     Your Committee finds that the disciplines of kickboxing, pankration, muay tai, and xtreme martial arts are not currently covered under chapter 440E, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  As a result, there is no requirement for contestants' blood work or the presence of licensed physicians, referees, judges, and ambulance at these events.  Your Committee further finds that the risk of injury in events with these disciplines is just as great as events with currently regulated mixed martial arts event disciplines.

     Your Committee has considered the opposition to the inclusion of these disciplines as mixed martial arts, but considers that this measure will provide greater protection for the health and safety of the contestants.  In addition, your Committee understands that the language in this measure is the result of consultation with the Department of the Attorney General and the Regulated Industries Complaints Office.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2013, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development and Technology,

____________________________

CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair