Peaman events back on

KAILUA-KONA — Frozen Pea Productions is back in business — thanks to some help from a friend.

According to Sean “Peaman” Pagett, the three-decade-old race series will start back up in November with Peamania — a swim-run, swim-run event. It’s tentatively slated for Nov. 19.

The return is in large part due to the help of attorney and former Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi, who is taking care of the the logistics behind the monthly events, from permits to insurance, for the foreseeable future, Pagett said.

Previously, the sticking point between Pagett and the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation was getting permits for the swim-run events at Kailua Bay. Pagett was facing a $10,000 fine for violation of state rules, which was dismissed last month at a hearing.

The dismissal was on the condition that Pagett apply for permits from the DOBOR, including required insurance coverage, for future events. The deal was made by Kenoi, who represented Pagett at the hearing.

Despite the fine being dropped, an announcement on Oct. 25 said all future Peaman events were cancelled.

Pagett said on Friday that Kenoi stepping up to take on the permitting and insurance process is giving him the green light to make a comeback. He didn’t have details on the requirements for fulfilling those obligations that Kenoi agreed to take on.

“He went so far above and beyond. We couldn’t have done it without him,” Pagett said, also citing the work of his attorney Jason Braswell. “All I was told is keep putting on events — do what we do. Everything else will be taken care of.”

Pagett said he’s working on the schedule for future events so all the permits can be taken care of as soon as possible.