The City Council today approved a measure providing tax assistance to a group of property owners whose tax bills soared when their dwellings were reclassified to commercial/industrial use from residential use.

Resolution 10-260 was approved 8-0 with Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi recusing herself from the vote because her family owns one of the affected properties.

Affected property owners would pay the residential tax rate, and those who already paid the higher taxes or a portion under an installment plan would get back overpayments through refunds or tax credits. Property owners must meet certain requirements to qualify for the residential rate.

About 250 property owners in parts of Kalihi, Waipahu, Kapahulu and Moiliili were affected when real property assessors classified the properties under the law according to “highest and best use.”