Former smoker
finds new life

Malcolm Koga's fight
for public lung health
earns him recognition

---

By Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.com

When Malcolm Koga talks, people listen. And some find it shocking.

Koga lost his voice and larynx due to smoking and speaks using an electrolarynx, a device that vibrates in his throat and allows him to communicate.

The 61-year-old engineer has since made it his civic duty to convince elementary and high school students that "smoking is not the way to go and can be very addictive."

Koga believes the emphasis should be on youths.

"If we can get to them, then maybe I think we've done our job," he said.

The American Lung Association of Hawaii will honor Koga Dec. 1 with the 2001 Mauli Ola (Breath of Life) Award for his years of volunteer service and contributions toward finding a cure for lung disease.

Koga was selected because he has served not only as board director, but has served on all the association's major committees.

He has also been a strong advocate for public lung health and lung disease sufferers.

"He's been a tireless worker to support the lung association," said association spokesman Jim Boersema. "We're just thankful having him there."

Koga took up smoking in college and quit at the age of 35, when he had a three-pack-a-day habit. He was diagnosed with cancer 15 years later at the age of 50.

"My lungs were very strong, therefore, I was able to recover very successfully," said Koga, who ran three marathons during that time.

Since then he has given not just in personal monetary contributions, but also his time by visiting schools, participating in community activities such as beach cleanups, as well as lobbying the City Council and the state Legislature on tobacco control.

Koga has served on the lung association's board of directors since 1993 and as treasurer since 1997, chairing the finance and audit committee. In July he was chosen as the Hawaii delegate to the American Lung Association National Council.

Koga, founder and chairman of Koga Engineering & Construction Inc., also helps develop corporate partners and sponsors, providing financial support for the agency.

He also devotes his time to the American Cancer Society as a director and as a part of the laryngectomy support group.

Those wishing to attend the lung association's Christmas Seals Gala dinner at the Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel may call 537-5966, ext. 304. Seats are $125. Sponsor tables run from $1,500 to $5,000.