STAND. COM. REP. NO. 615

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1102

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 1102 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 mix 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 existing law requires that mixed martial arts promoters pay fighters by check. However, many events undergo last minute changes to the fight card for various reasons including a fighter not making weight or getting injured during training. Most events take place on Saturdays, and fighters must weigh-in the day before the event. As a result, it is difficult for promoters to get new checks issued on a Saturday because most financial institutions are closed. By allowing payment to be made in cash, this measure tailors the requirements of state law to mirror the realities of the event process and make it easier for promoters to make changes to the fight card.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1102 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 and Consumer Protection,

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair