HONOLULU -- The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Honolulu a $3.8 million energy efficiency and conservation block grant.

Such grants are used to help communities improve their energy efficiency, reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs.

Activities eligible for grants funding include home and business energy audits and building retrofits, the development of advanced building codes, and the creation of financial incentive programs for energy efficiency improvements.

Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie said ultimately, the grants help families save money on utility bills.

The island Democrat said the more energy-efficient Hawaii's communities are, the smaller the overall energy demand.