HALAWA — From the 50th State Fair's open-air main stage, the fifth annual 808 Teen Zone Summer Dance Party delivered its message of "you don't need alcohol to have fun," aimed at curbing underage drinking.

The event, sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawai'i, drew about 250 young people, ages 12 to 18, on June 4 and organizers were hoping for another large turnout for the final dance last night.

Lack of enforcement of the 21 minimum drinking age law, easy access to alcohol, irresponsible alcohol marketing practices, lack of youth education and prevention programs, and parents who condone underage drinking as a "rite of passage" have contributed to making alcohol the No. 1 substance abuse problem nationally among young Americans, according to MADD.

Police and the Honolulu Liquor Commission are asking the public to report underage drinking by calling either 911 for situations requiring immediate response, such as parties, or 523-4194 for investigations of ongoing violations, such as sales to minors.

"We need the entire community to help with the no-use message," said Donna Gutierrez, MADD Hawai'i's youth programs manager.

Ivan Cabalis, 17, of 'Aiea, said developing dance moves is harder for him than saying no to alcohol.

"I never drink but pretty much all my friends do," Cabalis said. "It's not even hard for me to walk away. I seen kids, 9 and 10, drinking, probably to fit in with older guys. For me, I have something better in life to do. I like to dance."

Krumping is his latest dance preference, Cabalis said.

D.J. Pugay, 16, and Christine Mizukami, 14, attended last night's 808 Teen Zone dance, donating $5 each to the program and taking the alcohol-free pledge.

"We get teased sometimes because we're not followers," Pugay said. "I never did try alcohol and I don't think I will. Why people do it is funny in a stupid way — they just want to fit in."

Added Mizukami: "The problem is they can get it from uncles, aunties and friends. A lot of girls I know have tried it. It's all from peer pressure."

Mizukami has seen firsthand what alcohol addiction did to a relative and has no interest in going there. "It can destroy you," she said.

The sale of beer at the fair is monitored strictly, much like at a sporting venue such as Aloha Stadium, said Jaycees president Ryan Yamashiro.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.