Twinkle Borge
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Twinkle Borge | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1969 |
| Occupation | activist |
| Known for | matriarch of Pu‘uhenua o Wai‘anae |
Twinkle Borge (born 1971) is a Hawaiian activist who is involved with Hawaii's largest homeless encampment, Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae (or "the village" for short[1][2]). This 20-acre property is in the back of Waiʻanae 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 is known for her work and activism at "The Harbor"[4] located at the edge of the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor on the leeward side of Oʻahu. According to a Honolulu Civil Beat special report in 2015, Borge, arrived at The Harbor in 2006 and "has for years been the undisputed leader of The Harbor, organizing a governance structure that includes a second-in-command and section captains."[4]
Life[edit]
Borge herself has lived in the camp for more than 15 years.[5] According to an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat, Borge arrived at The Harbor in 2006, and "...has 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 selects Captains of the community to keep order in the camp.[3]
In order to avoid sweeps, or clearances, of the village, Borge has liaised with the state government which owns the land on which the homeless camp is located.[5][6] 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.[6][7] This purchase was facilitated by Cades Shutte LLC.[8]
On August 21, 2021, Borge and James Pakele received the Ulu Hana: Pewa Award from the Partners in Development Foundation. This award recognizes "individual leaders who have made a significant difference in addressing and supporting critical community needs or challenges within the state of Hawaiʻi." Also recognized in 2021 were Innocenta Sound-Kikku and Virginia “Ginger” Fuata. The ceremony was broadcast on local television.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Twinkle Borge is the loving matriarch and steward of Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae homestead". Hawai'i Public Radio. 2021-10-18. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ Graaf, Nicole. "Homeless in a Hawaiian paradise". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ a b c "Frequently Asked Questions". Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ a b c Terrell, Jessica (2015-11-16). "The Shepherd Of The Harbor". Honolulu Civil Beat. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ a b "Hawaii's homeless have few places to go: 'They don't know what to do with us'". The Guardian. 22 Jun 2017. Retrieved 26 Jan 2023.
- ^ a b "Twinkle Borge". UH Better Tomorrow Speaker Series. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ "Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae buys 20-acre land parcel". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 2020-02-22. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ Galarneau, Erika (2022-05-09). "Working together with the Community of Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae". Cades Schutte. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Four unsung heroes recognized for their critical work in Hawaiʻi | Partners in Development Foundation". Retrieved 2023-04-12.