Gomes joins Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber board
WAIKAPU – The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce recently appointed Doreen Napua Gomes as director and Membership Committee chair.
Gomes, the secretary for the Waiohuli Hawaiian Homesteaders Association Inc., has served Maui County on the Police Commission.
In 2005, she retired from Hawaiian Telecom but continued to work for the State of Hawaii caring for the elderly with Native Hawaiian Healthcare Inc., part of Hui No Ke Ola Pono.
Soon her volunteer activities evolved to nonprofit organizations: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Kula Community Association and the prestigious women of ‘Ahahui Ka’ahumanu.
Gomes was drawn to the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce by its mission to promote and sustain Hawaiian culture and enhance the socioeconomic 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,” she said.
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 brings to MNHCC a passion for event management, her work ethic of accountability and strong organizational skills.
“I pride myself on working well with others. My long-term goal is creating a means for MNHCC to work with other Hawaiian groups to promote their businesses, both for-profit or nonprofit.”
Now semiretired, Gomes works as a facilitator for building permits for Palekana Permits of Honolulu and is project coordinator of the Waiohuli Development Community Center and Parksite.