Twinkle Borge
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Twinkle Borge | |
|---|---|
 Borge in 2017 | |
| Born | Twinkle Alohalani Borge September 15, 1969 |
| Died | August 5, 2024 (aged 54) Waianae, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known for | Matriarch of Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae |
Twinkle Alohalani Borge (September 15, 1969 – August 5, 2024) was an American activist based in Hawaii who was involved with Hawaii's largest homeless encampment, Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae ("The Village").[1][2] This 20-acre property is in the back of Waianae Valley to "provide shelter, stability, and hope for up to 300 people at a lower development cost and lower operating costs and rents than conventional affordable housing."[3] In 2020, fundraising was completed to purchase the land, and current efforts are focused to continue building the structures.[1][3]
Borge was known for her work and activism at "The Harbor"[4][5] located at the edge of the Waianae Boat Harbor on the leeward side of Oahu.[4]
Homelessness and activism
Borge herself lived in the camp for more than 15 years.[9] According to an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat, Borge arrived in 2006 and "...had for years been the undisputed leader of The Harbor, organizing a governance structure that includes a second-in-command and section captains.[4] In her role as the leader of the village, she selected 'captains' from the community to help with the camp's daily operations.[3]
In order to avoid sweeps or clearances of the village, Borge liaised with the state government which owns the land on which the homeless camp is located.[9][10] In 2018, Borge and others led an effort to defend the village from eviction. In 2020, the village managed to purchase 20 acres of land in order to build more permanent housing.[10][11] This purchase was facilitated by Cades Shutte LLC.[12]