HILO >> Big Island planning commissions are making it easier for farms to lure and accommodate tourists.

West Hawaii Today reports the Windward Planning Commission on Thursday unanimously endorsed a measure creating a new category of “minor” agri-tourism businesses that can bypass rules imposed on larger operations.

Minor agri-tourism operations are defined as operations with15,000 visitors or less a year, with a weekly maximum of 350 visitors. Operations that size won’t need approval before starting operations.

Hawaii Agritourism Association President Medina Weigert says it will be helpful for many farmers. She says it will create a more dependable revenue stream for them. The association represents 125 farms statewide.

The measure must be approved by the Leeward Planning Commission before going to the County Council.