Illegal sales of tobacco to minors in Hawai'i decreased from 11.2 percent in 2008 to 6.2 percent this year, the state Department of Health said Monday.

The non-compliance rate comes from the state's annual survey and inspections of retail outlets.

The program is run by the University of Hawai'i's Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and the state Health Department.

The national average of stores that sell tobacco to minors is 9.9 percent.

Maui and Hawai'i counties had the lowest rate of illegal tobacco sales at 2.1 percent. Kaua'i County had the highest rate at 10.1 percent.