In a surprise development, sponsors have stepped forward to buy out general admission tickets for the upcoming Ocean Aid concert this weekend at the Waikiki Shell, prompting organizers to make it a free, community event.

The inaugural Ocean Aid Hawai‘i Charity Music Festival has the stated cause of ending plastic pollution in the oceans. It is scheduled to take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday at the Waikiki Shell, with gates opening at 3:30 p.m.

Publicist Rebecca Pang said she expected tickets to be released Thursday. Ticket details will be available beginning Wednesday on the Ocean Aid website. Promoters were still working out details of the ticket distribution today.

Free, general admission tickets for lawn seating will be offered first come, first serve at select locations around Oahu, according to a release from Ocean Aid. Pickup locations and other details will be specified on the concert website.

Those who have purchased general admission tickets will be able to seek a refund via their point of purchase, or to exchange tickets for upgraded seats. VIP and upgraded tickets are still available for purchase.

Organizers did not release the name of the sponsor. Pang said the sponsor wished to remain anonymous at this time.

Ocean Aid’s musical lineup includes headliners CeeLo Green, Bootsy Collins, Maxi Priest, Ohio Players and Fishbone. Hawaii artists Henry Kapono, Ron Artis II, Makana, Taimaine, and Ekolu Kalama are also on the bill. DJs scheduled to appear include DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit, House of Pain), DJ Mateo (Fun Lovin’ Criminals) and DJ Big Daddy Carlos, a former Hawaii resident, now of Las Vegas, who is also an organizer of the event.

WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi is set to demonstrate a wrestling match for charity. Stand-up comedian Steve Byrne and “Hawaii Five-0” star Shawn Garnett are set to serve as event hosts.

Ocean Aid also features environmental speakers, an “information coalition corridor” featuring environmental organizations and art installations, including marine debris sculptures. Island food trucks will provide concessions.

Proceeds from Ocean Aid will benefit Love The Sea, a nonprofit organization that is the primary sponsor of the event, and a coalition of local environmental organizations, including Surfrider Foundation, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, and Hawaii Wildlife Fund.

Click here more information about Ocean Aid Hawaii and concert updates.

More information about Love The Sea can be found here.