Debra Gochros honored with the 2022 Mea Hoʻomanaʻo Award!

A dream of late Kauaʻi Mayor Bryan Baptiste was to remind residents of the importance of respect, civility and aloha in their interactions. Mayor Baptiste started the Mea Hoʻomanaʻo program as the fulfillment of that dream. A key principal is a recognition that we each need to act the way we hope others will act around us. It is aimed not at visitors, but at those of us who have the privilege to live here and brings to life Mayor Baptiste’s strong belief that Kauai’s future is our own kuleana.

At the Chamber event on September 22nd, Debra Gochros and Chucky Boy Chock were honored as this year's recipients.

Debra Kepola Gochros has served on the Board of Directors Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges since 2006. She is passionate about preserving and protecting our native wildlife and sharing her knowledge, and she is constantly looking for new ways to help our island, our wildlife and our keiki.

Her energy, passion, warmth and enthusiasm are infectious, and she walks through each day with the spirit of Mea Hoʻomanaʻo. She is always the first person to offer to help and brainstorm a new way to serve our community, and she serves as an inspiring leader for others through her work, her spirit and the aloha that exudes from her smile and welcome. Kauaʻi, and the organizations she focuses her time and energy within, are so fortunate to have Debra as part of our community. Her work, her example and her spirit of aloha help make this a better place to live and a safer one for the threatened and endangered wildlife that call it home. Mahalo nui loa Debra for all that you do. You inspire us!