SB2170 Summary

• Establishes a new Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to regulate combat sports contests, replacing the existing mixed martial arts program.

• Creates a five-member commission appointed by the governor with at least one member having combat sports contestant experience; all members must have experience as contestants or in promotion/administration of combat sports.

• Requires promoters and all combat sports participants (referees, judges, physicians, managers, contestants, etc.) to obtain licenses from the commission; sets licensing fees of 3% of first $50,000 gross admission receipts and 2% of amounts over $50,000.

• Prohibits "no rules combat" contests with few restrictions and high injury risk; establishes safety requirements including medical examinations, neurological testing for knockouts, mandatory suspensions after head injuries, and drug testing.

• Repeals Chapter 440E (existing mixed martial arts regulations) and appropriates funds for the commission's staffing and operations; effective date July 1, 3000.