Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber Appoints Gomes to Board

By Maui Now Staff

Doreen Napua Gomes. Courtesy Photo.

The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has appointed Doreen Napua Gomes as Director and Membership Committee Chair.

In her role as Membership Chair, Gomes aims to solidify the membership of 300 and create a system for membership development.

“The core of every organization is its membership; if we are to fulfill our mission, our membership must continue to grow in perpetuity,” said Gomes.

Gomes was drawn to Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce by its mission to promote and sustain Hawaiian culture and enhance the socio-economic status of Native Hawaiians in business and as individuals.

“There are many Hawaiian groups throughout our country, but there is only one Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce. We are a collaboration of individuals who share one common goal–being successful,” said Gomes.

Throughout the year, MNHCC members convene every other month to hear community and state leaders talk on important subjects that affect business on Maui. This month’s meeting includes an address by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, who will provide an update on Maui County and critical information for business planning in 2012.

Gomes is Secretary for The Waiohuli Hawaiian Homesteaders Association, Inc., and has served Maui County on the Maui Police Commission.

Gomes retired from Hawaiian Telecom in 2005, but continued to work for the State of Hawaii caring for the elderly with Native Hawaiian Healthcare, Inc., a part of Hui No Ke Ola Pono.

Her involvement in the community also extends into the non-profit sector with such agencies as: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Kula Community Association and the prestigious women of ‘Ahahui Ka’ahumanu, caring for the sick and dying.

Now semi-retired, Gome works as a Facilitator for Building Permits for Palekana Permits of Honolulu and is Project Coordinator of the Waiohuli Development Community Center and Parksite.

With her achievements, Gomes brings to MNHCC a passion for event management and organizational skills. “My long term goal is creating a means for MNHCC to work with other Hawaiian groups to promote their businesses, both for-profit or non-profit,” said Gomes.