By Rick Winters West Hawaii Today rwinters@westhawaiitoday.com | Monday, January 1, 2018, 10:05 a.m.
To say the 2017 season has been a roller coaster year for Frozen Pea Productions would be an understatement. Sean "Peaman" Pagett has run the gauntlet of emotions this season from annoyed, angry and hurt to relieved, happy and loved.
Nearly one year ago, Peaman received a citation from the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement for holding the Doc Ferren Hall of Fame Biathlon at Kailua Pier. The citation was an unwanted gift on Christmas Day of 2016 for a man who has brought nothing by joy and good tidings to the community through his free, monthly races.
The citation led to a fine of $10,000, which was eventually dismissed thanks to Peaman's lawyer Jason Braswell, who negotiated an agreement that the proper permits would be attained to hold future events.
However, these permits were expensive, and with a heavy heart, Peaman was forced to announce on Oct. 25, through social media, that all future events would be cancelled.
Then came the cavalry in the form of former mayor Billy Kenoi, who took care of the permits and logistics of the races, allowing Frozen Pea Productions to hold its events again starting in November.
Everything came full circle on Sunday with the Doc Ferren Hall of Fame Biathlon taking place at the pier once again. This time there was no citation. The event went on without a hitch, as athletes young and old took part in the half mile swim and 3.9 mile run.
Sheryl Cobb, who has been apart of the Peaman races for over 20 years, had no problem showing her dissatisfaction with the situation that took place over the past year.
For Kristi Van Pernis, the event has a special meaning, having known Peaman since he was eight years old. She also knew his mother and father.
With no outside interference at this year's December biathlon, the race was able to focus on what it should have been able to focus on last year, and that is honoring Dr. Frank Ferren, who passed away in June.
Known as the "Iron Doc", Ferren had an impressive athletic career that spanned over five decades. He competed in the Ironman World Championship 19 times and the Ultraman World Championship twice. He also paddled in two Molokai Hoe canoe races.
Competing his is very first Peaman race on Sunday was Dr. Jacob Head, who came out to honor Dr. Ferren.