Musicians and activists who will sound the alarm over threats plastic pollution poses to the ocean surrounding Hawaii Sunday at the Ocean Aid Hawaii music festival, with an all-star lineup including CeeLo Green, Bootsy Collins, Maxi Priest, the Ohio Players, Henry Kapono, Makana and Taimane.
Adopting the motto “Love the Sea, Plastic Free,” Ocean Aid’s executive producer, Carlos “Big Daddy” Adley, said it’s imperative to make a change and get plastic out.
Hawaii should be the “epicenter” for such action, Adley said.
OCEAN AID HAWAII
Where: Waikiki Shell
When: 4-10 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free; first-come, first-served to the first 4,000 patrons, day of show
Info: oceanaidhawaii.org
“Everything is for the islands … and for the people,” Adley said. “With all that’s happening with the ocean, Hawaii is getting the worst of it. Within five years there’s a possibility that the fishing population of Hawaii will be decimated. You take away fishing, you take away the lifeblood of Hawaii.”
Proceeds from Ocean Aid will support marine research, cleanup initiatives and educational outreach programs in connection with the nonprofit Love the Sea, the primary backer of the concert, Adley said. Local partners include the Surfrider Foundation, Sea Cleaners, Hawaii Wildlife Fund and Sustainable Coastlines of Hawaii.
“I’m compelled to do this,” said Adley, who has a family connection to Hawaii and spent time as a youth living on his aunt’s North Shore hog farm. “I have no choice. Aloha and the spirit of love, that’s what we represent.”
Adley and Campbell Farrell, a big-wave surfer who is executive director of Love the Sea, are co-creators of the event.
The concert is being presented festival style, with interactive art, food trucks, hula and haka dance performances.
WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Rikishi is on the bill for an exhibition. An attempt will be made to make the Guinness Book of World Records by presenting the largest drum circle for a charity event.
Speakers include sailors, scientists, activists and watermen, including seven-time stand-up paddleboard world champion and ocean conservationist Kai Lenny of Maui.
“The ability to use and enjoy the best playground in the world has made my life what it is today,” Lenny said, explaining his involvement. “I feel a responsibility to protect her and inspire others to do the same. The ocean is our reason for life on this planet.”
On Monday it was announced that with the late addition of a major sponsor, Ocean Aid Hawaii will offer free admission to the concert. General admission (lawn) tickets will be distributed to the first 4,000 fans who come to the gate at the Waikiki Shell Sunday, beginning at noon.
Those who purchased tickets have two options: Submit them at the gate on the day of the concert for an upgraded seat; or obtain a refund from Ticketmaster at point of purchase.
“When you do the right thing, good things happen,” Adley said. “It’s a beautiful thing. It’s all about the message. It was my dream to make it free, and we made it happen for this cause.”
Adley said Hawaii will always be a destination for Ocean Aid, which he expects to become an annual event. Future plans include expanding the festival to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and other countries.
“It’s going to last forever. It’s Coachella with a cause,” Adley said. ”It’s all about fixing it local and taking it global.”
