Several local community groups with ties to Japan have set up a fund to help the families of last week's Ehime Maru tragedy and the Uwajima Fisheries High School, the owner of the Ehime Maru.

The organizations include the Japan-America Society of Hawaii, Japanese Cultural Center, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and United Japanese Society.

Donations can be made at any branch of First Hawaiian Bank or can be mailed to:

First Hawaiian Bank
P.O. Box 3200
Honolulu, HI 96847

Checks should be written to the Japan-America Society of Hawaii.