Bank robbers used a stolen delivery van as a getaway vehicle in Kapahulu yesterday morning, but were considerate enough to preserve the van's cargo of fish.

Police said someone stole a van belonging to Fresh Island Fish Co. as it was parked during a delivery at Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant.

A short time later, a man robbed Bank of Hawaii's Kapahulu branch at 10:51 a.m.

Two men drove away in the stolen van, which was recovered 10 minutes later near Kaimuki High School.

Mike Lee, president of Fresh Island Fish Co., said $1,500 worth of seafood was saved because the thieves left the engine running and the air-conditioning on.