It's hard to imagine any member of hip-hop/pop giants Black Eyed Peas having time for an interview with all their worldwide concerts, personal appearances and red carpet affairs, but Taboo is cheerful and cooperative, eager almost, to take time for a phone interview, as he made his way through the Lisbon airport.

"No problem at all, man," he assured. "I'm happy to help."

The Black Eyed Peas had been in Portugal finishing a European tour in support of their new album "The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)." It's an apt name for the foursome, considering their frenetic schedule, which includes a stop on O'ahu for Saturday's BayFest at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kane'ohe Bay.

Since their 1988 debut release of "Behind the Front," the Black Eyed Peas have sold more than 18 million albums worldwide and is widely considered to be the biggest act in pop music. "The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)," released in early June, is still No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, with two singles currently at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 — "I Gotta Feeling" (No. 1) and "Boom Boom Pow" (No. 8).

"Elephunk," released in 2003, was their breakout album, including the hit single "Where is the Love," featuring Justin Timberlake. Three Grammy Awards followed, and Taboo, will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Fergie have all had opportunities for their own solo projects, which Taboo insisted has not caused friction among the band.

"We're entirely supportive of one another in everything we do," he said. "We have a deep respect for each other as individuals, and for one another's aspirations. We share a deep friendship and kinship."

Taboo, who raps, sings and plays keyboard, said BEP members are also aligned in their desire to spread a positive message around the globe.

"We want to provide that priceless music therapy people want," he said. "It's about sharing happiness and letting it all hang out."

The band's charitable efforts include performing with the Honda Civic Tour, a national concert series that features top artists for low ticket prices. Amnesty International's Campaign to Save Darfur included the BEP's cover of John Lennon's "Power to the People." And Taboo plans to start a nonprofit arts school for children in Rosemead, Calif., his hometown. Band members also have worked with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a nonprofit mobile recording studio, and are behind a series of concerts to benefit a friend with a brain tumor.

Saturday's BayFest concert fits with the group's efforts to showcase their music across the world and to align themselves to positive events.

"We just want to provide positive music to the people that need it," Taboo said.

Since its inception 20 years ago, when it began as a simple fair to show appreciation for Hawai'i's military community, BayFest has grown into a major festival that celebrates the service and sacrifice of the military.

Past acts have included Joan Jett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Liz Phair and Papa Roach. This year's festival — with BEP as the headlining act — is being touted by promoters as the best line-up ever.

"This is a record-breaking year for ticket sales for BayFest," promoter Tom Moffatt said. "I'm excited myself to see the Black Eyed Peas do their work on stage. ... Their success is just amazing."

BayFest 2009 carries on the tradition of featuring local and national talent to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Today's headlining act is Filter, an alt-rock band known for its classic, yet modern sounds. The group's most successful single, "Soldiers of Misfortune," is a tribute to a fan who died in combat in Iraq.

The local ska/rock band Go Jimmy Go opens for Filter, and drummer Shon Gregory is unabashed about his enthusiasm about playing at BayFest.

"Most of us grew up in Hawai'i, so we know a lot of men and women who have served and who are serving," he said. "It's an honor to be able to give back."

Also on the bill for the three-day festival are reggae acts Fiji and Katchafire, a New Zealand group that has garnered worldwide acclaim for its traditional roots sound and positive message. Both play Sunday night.

But perhaps most notable among the supporting acts is the Mike Corrado Band, also scheduled to perform Sunday evening.

Corrado, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who has been featured on CNN and in Rolling Stone.