Twinkle Borge

Twinkle Borge is a Hawaiian activist who is involved with Hawaii's largest homeless encampment, Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae (or "the village"). 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." In 2020, fundraising was completed to purchase the land, and current efforts are focused to continue building the structures.

Borge is known for her work and activism at "The Harbor" located at the edge of the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor on the leeward side of Oʻahu.

Early life
Borge is a native Hawaiian. She states that her first name, Twinkle, is not a nickname but was chosen by her older sister.

Homelessness and activism
Borge herself has lived in the camp for more than 15 years. According to an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat, Borge arrived 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. In her role as the leader of the village, she selects 'captains' from the community to help with the camp's daily operations.

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. 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. This purchase was facilitated by Cades Shutte LLC.

Honors and awards

 * In 2021, Borge was the recipient of the Ho‘okele Award which honors leaders from the nonprofit sector
 * 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 Hawaiʻi"
 * In 2023, Borge was included in the list of Hawai'i's Women of Influence by Hawaii Business magazine