JACL Mourns Passing of Art Koga

San Francisco, CA (12/07/09)  - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, mourns the passing of Art Koga, formerly a member of the National JACL Board of Directors.  Members of the JACL were saddened to hear of the untimely death of Art Koga on December 4, 2009, in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Mr. Koga was ill with what seemed to be a cold, took a turn for the worse, and passed away very suddenly.

     Mr. Koga has been an active board member of the Honolulu Chapter of the JACL and served as Secretary/Treasurer on the National Board of the JACL from 2000 to 2004.  He was instrumental, with the Honolulu JACL Chapter, in putting on an excellent National JACL Convention in Honolulu several years ago.  He received the Outstanding Service Award from the Honolulu JACL Chapter.  He has been a teacher and administrator with the State of Hawaii Department of Education and president of Zen Studies.

     Floyd Mori, National Executive Director of the JACL, recalled working with Mr. Koga on the National Board.  He stated:  "Art was an effective leader for the JACL.  It was a privilege to work with him.  He dedicated years to working for the JACL as National Secretary/Treasurer and on the Honolulu Chapter Board.  He will be greatly missed.  We wish to offer condolences to his family and friends."

     National President of the JACL, Larry Oda, said:  "We are very sad to hear of the passing of Art Koga.  We recall with appreciation his leadership and service to the JACL both on the National Board and locally in the Honolulu Chapter.  We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family."

     Further details are not currently available.  Anyone wishing to receive updated information may contact Patty Wada, Regional Director for the Northern California Western Nevada Pacific (NCWNP) District of the JACL.