A special fund is being set up to return the bodies of the mother and her son who were murdered in their Mililani Mauka home last week to the Philippines, State Rep. John Mizuno said this afternoon.

"We've talked to Elaine's family and they're still having a tough time," Mizuno said. "The family wants to have the bodies returned to the Philippines but can't afford it. We're going to work with First Hawaiian Bank tomorrow morning to set up a donation fund to pay for or defray the cost of sending them home."

The bodies of Grineline "Elaine" James, 39, and her 7-year-old son Michael James II, were found in their Mililani Mauka home on Wednesday, as was the body of Michael James, 42, who police believe hanged himself after murdering his wife and son.

A silent march is being held at 5:30 p.m. today at the State Capitol to remember the victims. Mizuno said several leaders in the Filipino community will be on hand as well as family and friends of the victims.

Mizuno said the family is working with St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church in Mililani and St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Kalihi, where Michael James II attended school, on a wake and memorial but the dates are yet to be determined.

"It's not just a family issue, it's a community issue," Mizuno said. "Domestic violence is a real concern and if telling her story can help save another family, we'll do it."

Grineline James taught English as a second language at Farrington High School and was going to be the department head this year. She was also active at her son's school, helping out with the newsletter and yearbook and as the secretary for the parent-teacher association.

The city Medical Examiner's office said Grineline James died from asphyxia due to strangulation and her son died from asphyxia due to drowning. Blunt force trauma to the head was listed as "other significant injuries" for both victims.

Police believe Grineline was killed sometime last weekend and the son was killed a few days after his mother.

Investigators made the determination based on a letter and notes found at the scene, police said.

Their deaths mark the eighth, ninth and 10th deaths this year linked to domestic violence on Oahu.

"My wife just brought up this morning how the domestic violence is getting out of hand," Mizuno said. "I don't know if it's copycat or what, but it's a very real concern."