Twinkle Borge

Twinkle Borge
Borge in 2017
Born
Twinkle Alohalani Borge

(1969-09-15)September 15, 1969
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
DiedAugust 5, 2024(2024-08-05) (aged 54)
Waianae, Hawaii, U.S.
OccupationActivist
Known forMatriarch 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

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

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

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

  • 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

  1. ^ a b "Twinkle Borge is the loving matriarch and steward of Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae homestead". Hawaii Public Radio. October 18, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Graaf, Nicole (September 28, 2017). "Homeless in a Hawaiian paradise". Al Jazeera Media Network. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "Frequently Asked Questions". Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae. November 2, 2019. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c Terrell, Jessica (November 16, 2015). "The Shepherd Of The Harbor". Honolulu Civil Beat. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  5. ^ Cherry, Amy (August 15, 2019). "Spirit behind Hawaiian 'houseless' village could be solution to homelessness in Delaware, across US". WDEL-FM. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  6. ^ Nakaso, Dan (August 8, 2024). "Model advocate for homeless Twinkle Borge remembered for reshaping attitudes". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved September 4, 2024. Borge was born Sept. 15, 1969,
  7. ^ a b Honolulu Star-Advertiser (September 11, 2024). "Twinkle Borge Obituary (2024) - Honolulu, HI". Legacy.com. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Coules, Ryann; Wagner, Kathryn Drury; DeJournett, Tori (October 16, 2023). "Hawai'i's Women of Influence". Hawaii Business. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Hawaii's homeless have few places to go: 'They don't know what to do with us'". The Guardian. June 22, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Twinkle Borge". UH Better Tomorrow Speaker Series. October 28, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  11. ^ "Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae buys 20-acre land parcel". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. February 22, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  12. ^ Galarneau, Erika (May 9, 2022). "Working together with the Community of Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae". Cades Schutte. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "Homeless advocate, activist Twinkle Borge dies". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  14. ^ "Congratulations to the 2021 Ho'okele Award Recipients - Advancing Nonprofit Excellence". HawaiiCommunityLending.com. 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  15. ^ "Four unsung heroes recognized for their critical work in Hawaiʻi". Partners In Development Foundation. August 5, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2023.