Tsunami of MMA Regulation Hits Hawaiian Shores
James Meinhardt Jul 13, 2007
HONOLULU, July 12 -- A defining moment in Hawaii's journey towards
regulation of mixed martial arts competition -- a journey that has
seen everything from proposals of outright prohibition of the sport
to the creation of colossal state athletic commissions -- came
Wednesday when both the state house and senate enacted House Bill
1866 into law.
Mixed martial arts in Hawaii is currently overseen by the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which requires promoters to provide basic information about doctors, referees, and other officials, as well as medical information and current physicals for all contestants. Promoters are also required to submit a $500 application fee and event registration paperwork outlining the details of the event.
Local promoters have voiced concern that the "over-regulation" of
an athletic commission would stifle the growth of the sport in the
booming island market, while certain state lawmakers feel that a
formal commission would entice larger promotions to hold events in
the state.
The newly enacted bill, however, appears to be a compromise between those who would prefer the current situation in regards to regulation not be altered, and those who would prefer the formation of a state athletic commission, of which Hawaii currently has none.
As it stands, House Bill 1866 does not create a new regulatory body such as an athletic or boxing commission. Instead, it grants further powers to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and provides licensing authority over mixed martial arts contests.
Another major concern with mixed martial arts is also addressed within the bill, as new oversights have been given to the DCCA in regards to fighters' safety.
The bill calls for mandatory neurological testing as well as disease and drug testing of athletes; the defining of formal rules of MMA; criminal and financial background checks; proof of medical insurance for fighters; certified payment of athletes; and the licensing of fighters and collection of fighter license fees twice per year.
In addition to fighter licensing fees, the state will also receive a percentage of the promoter's revenue. A 3 percent cut of first $50,000 of gross ticket sales and percent of all gross ticket sales over $50,000, as well as 2 percent of all receipts from television and Internet broadcasting, and DVD sales will be paid to the DCCA.
Although the bill has already been enacted into law, it is believed that it will not be an enforced law until July of 2009, giving promoters nearly two years to comply with the new requirements.
Mixed martial arts in Hawaii is currently overseen by the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which requires promoters to provide basic information about doctors, referees, and other officials, as well as medical information and current physicals for all contestants. Promoters are also required to submit a $500 application fee and event registration paperwork outlining the details of the event.
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The newly enacted bill, however, appears to be a compromise between those who would prefer the current situation in regards to regulation not be altered, and those who would prefer the formation of a state athletic commission, of which Hawaii currently has none.
As it stands, House Bill 1866 does not create a new regulatory body such as an athletic or boxing commission. Instead, it grants further powers to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and provides licensing authority over mixed martial arts contests.
Another major concern with mixed martial arts is also addressed within the bill, as new oversights have been given to the DCCA in regards to fighters' safety.
The bill calls for mandatory neurological testing as well as disease and drug testing of athletes; the defining of formal rules of MMA; criminal and financial background checks; proof of medical insurance for fighters; certified payment of athletes; and the licensing of fighters and collection of fighter license fees twice per year.
In addition to fighter licensing fees, the state will also receive a percentage of the promoter's revenue. A 3 percent cut of first $50,000 of gross ticket sales and percent of all gross ticket sales over $50,000, as well as 2 percent of all receipts from television and Internet broadcasting, and DVD sales will be paid to the DCCA.
Although the bill has already been enacted into law, it is believed that it will not be an enforced law until July of 2009, giving promoters nearly two years to comply with the new requirements.
