Twinkle Borge
Twinkle Borge | |
|---|---|
| File:Twinkle Borge.jpg 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]
Early life
[edit | edit source]Twinkle Alohalani Borge was born in Honolulu on September 15, 1969,[6][7] and was a native Hawaiian.[2] She stated that her first name, Twinkle, was not a nickname but was chosen by her older sister.[8]
Homelessness and activism
[edit | edit source]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]
Death
[edit | edit source]Borge died in Waianae, Hawaii on August 5, 2024, at age 54.[7] State of Hawaii governor Josh Green released a statement praising Borge as an "incredible inspiration to so many".[13]
Honors and awards
[edit | edit source]- In 2021, Borge was the recipient of the Hookele Award which honors leaders from the nonprofit sector.[14]
- On August 21, 2021, Borge received the Ulu Hana: Pewa Award from the Partners In Development Foundation in recognition of "individual leaders who have made a significant difference in addressing and supporting critical community needs or challenges within the state of Hawaii".[15]
- In 2023, Borge was included in the list of Hawaii's Women of Influence by Hawaii Business magazine.[8]
References
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