Honolulu’s acting mayor has signed a bill that should help the city make sure people are rightly claiming a property tax exemption given to those who own historic homes. 

The new law, which takes effect immediately, clarifies and standardizes conditions under which homeowners may qualify for the exemption.

Acting Mayor Douglas Chin signed the bill Wednesday in the place of Mayor Peter Carlisle who is traveling to Taiwan and China to promote tourism and sister-city relationships. 

Chin said the city plans to enforce violations of all exemptions. Chin says cleaning up exemption abuse has been a Carlisle administration priority and the city will soon hire two auditors who will verify compliance.

The city says those found in violation of the exemptions may be required to pay back taxes and penalties.