Harold "Bear" Martinelli and some friends were making the best of the situation, though, with a half dozen coolers and an overwhelmed hibachi outside the Waikiki Shell fence.

"We can at least grill our chicken and steak out here and enjoy some fine music from Jack Johnson," said Martinelli, shrugging. "If Jack comes to the fence, we'll even make him a plate."

Inside, the Shell's lawn seating filled up quickly with lucky ticket holders after gates opened at 3 p.m. All were eager to see a full six hours or so of music acts — in particular, host Jack Johnson.

Kokua Festival and the non-profit Kokua Hawai'i Foundation that receives 100 percent of the concert's take were dreamed up by Johnson and some friends a little over a year ago. Kokua Hawai'i is a school-based environmental education program aimed at getting kids in the know and fired up about protecting the environment.

In its year of existence, the foundation has launched recycling and garden programs and donated materials and environmental studies resources for teachers at seven O'ahu elementary schools.

Johnson's first multiact Kokua Fest was held in January 2004.

All of the performers at last night's benefit — Johnson, Jackson Browne, John Cruz, Ozomatli, G. Love & Special Sauce, Kawika Kahiapo & Kaukahi — appeared free of charge.

Tina Grandinetti, 15, and Kiley Bishop, 16, grabbed prime lawn seats with a perfect view of the whole stage early on.

"Tina gave me my ticket for my birthday, which was Wednesday," said Bishop. "I was amazed."

Asked what excited them most about the concert, both cooed, "Jack!" Asked why, they offered a collective, "Oooooh!"

"It's mellow music," said Grandinetti of Johnson's tunes. "If you're sad it makes you happy. It's relaxing and upbeat all at the same time.

"My dad and I are both into him. He kinda wanted to come, but I said, 'No, you're not coming.' "

Both Grandinetti and Bishop appreciated helping fund a good cause, as well.

Several dozen booths offering eco-friendly merchandise and food, or supporting eco-friendly causes, lined the back of the Shell. These included Reef Check Hawai'i, Down To Earth, The Nature Conservancy, Earth Justice and the Waimea Valley Audubon Society.

Cab Spates, a massage therapist, had a busy booth on his hands by the time opening act Kahiapo took the stage.

"This is the perfect environment for massages," said Spates, watching the masses of mostly twenty- and thirtysomethings cruising by in beachwear. "All massages really should be done outdoors to get us back to nature. We're animals. This gets us back in touch with the environment."

The longest lines, however, were for the Kokua Fest's merchandise booth, a veggie Hawaiian plate and beer.

Backstage, Jack Johnson hung out to introduce each act to the crowd. Browne stole a brief stage-side moment to enjoy G. Love. And Ozomatli multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Ulises Bella eagerly awaited his band's turn on stage.

"I've been walkin' around the crowd checking things out," said Bella. "It's good. But I can't wait to go on."

Heading back to her place in a seatless stage-front pit roiling with whirling Ozomatli fans, Heather Farrell, 23, said more musicians and celebrities should follow Johnson's example.

"We need more people like Jack and these guys who put their time and money on the line for what they believe in," said Farrell. "The world would be a better place."