SB 1027 - Combat Sports Summary

• Establishes the combat sports commission of Hawaii as a five-member appointed body within the department of commerce and consumer affairs to regulate all combat sports contests in the state.

• Requires promoters to obtain licenses and comply with safety requirements including medical insurance, performance bonds, physician examinations, and licensed referees for all combat sports contests.

• Prohibits "no rules combat or similar contests" that use unrestricted combative techniques with few safety restrictions and imposes penalties for violations.

• Implements contestant licensing and medical protections including mandatory neurological examinations for knockouts, automatic medical suspensions after severe head trauma, and drug testing with minimum 12-month suspensions for positive results.

• Establishes revenue system with promoters paying 3% of first $50,000 in admission fees and 2% of amounts over $50,000, plus fees on broadcasting and media rights, deposited into compliance resolution fund.