STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2904

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2875

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2875 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to allow mixed martial arts promoters to pay fighters in cash.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Your Committee finds that section 440E-7(a)(4), Hawaii Revised Statutes, which only allows mixed martial arts promoters pay fighters in either cashier's or certified checks, is not tailored to the realities of mixed martial arts events. According to testimony received by your Committee, last-minute changes on fight cards are common; and because most events are held on a Saturday, when most financial institutions are closed, promoters are unable to get new checks issued to pay their fighters in a timely manner. Your Committee finds that this measure allows promotors the flexibility to make any necessary changes to a fighter's compensation.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2875 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

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

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair