WAIANAE, Hawaii — Twinkle Borge was not an elected official, not in any traditional sense at least, but as news of her death broke on Monday, local leaders responded with statements of condolence and loss befitting the passing of one of their own.

What You Need To Know

  • Borge was a prominent figure in West Oahu and in the offices and boardrooms of government agencies and nonprofit organizations devoted to finding solutions to the state’s homelessness problem
  • As the acknowledged leader of the Puuhonua O Waianae community of unsheltered individuals and families located near the Waianae Boat Harbor, Borge gave voice to the needs of thousands of the island’s homeless residents and worked with those in power to secure immediate and long-term solutions, including a new kauhale project in Waianae
  • John Mizuno, the governor’s coordinator on homelessness and housing solutions, said Borge’s impact will be felt for years to come both in the lasting solutions she helped develop and in the individual lives of those she helped
  • Borge’s values and concerns were evident in the rules she enforced, by community consent, to maintain peace, safety and goodwill within the encampment and with the surrounding community

 

“Twinkle was a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for our houseless community,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, using Borge’s preferred term for those who lack regular shelter but call Hawaii home. “She was more than just a leader; she was an inspiration and a relentless advocate who believed in every person’s potential. Her legacy of kindness, resilience and community building will continue to inspire us all.”

Borge was a prominent figure in West Oahu and in the offices and boardrooms of government agencies and nonprofit organizations devoted to finding solutions to the state’s homelessness problem. As the acknowledged leader of the Puuhonua O Waianae community of unsheltered individuals and families located near the Waianae Boat Harbor, Borge gave voice to the needs of thousands of the island’s homeless residents and worked with those in power to secure immediate and long-term solutions, including a new kauhale project in Waianae.

“Auntie Twinkle Borge was an incredible inspiration to so many and proved to all of us, her inner belief that anyone, houseless or not, can be a community leader,” said Gov. Josh Green. “A visionary, advocate and activist who made the impossible a reality by bringing people together, her Puuhonua O Waianae kauhale is actively being built and will put roofs over the heads of her Waianae Boat Harbor neighbors for generations to come. Her closest loved ones, her community and all whose lives were touched by her, have Jaime’s and my sincerest condolences. Hawaii mourns with you.”

John Mizuno, the governor’s coordinator on homelessness and housing solutions, said Borge’s impact will be felt for years to come both in the lasting solutions she helped develop and in the individual lives of those she helped.

“Aunty Twinkle built character and dignity among the homeless and exemplified ohana, hanai, kuleana, love, hope and faith,” Mizuno said. “As the months and years pass, Aunty Twinkle will live on in our hearts. Aunty Twinkle’s legacy is every life she has touched. As we build kauhale, Aunty Twinkle’s fingerprints will be on this revolutionary movement to house our homeless. Lives were and will be transformed because of Aunty Twinkle.”

State Rep. Cedric Gates, who represents House District 45 (Waianae, Makaha) remembered Borge as “an icon, an incredible human being who was filled with overwhelming aloha for her community and village.”

“Aunty Twinkle has left a lifetime of impact and will forever be in our hearts while being remembered for her pure heart of gold,” Gates said. “I’m beyond proud of how far Aunty Twinkle and Puuhonua O Waianae have come in creating permanent housing solutions for our residents. We will do everything in our power to continue carrying out her wishes for long-term housing and creating a thriving community, especially for our keiki.”

Borge’s values and concerns were evident in the rules she enforced, by community consent, to maintain peace, safety and goodwill within the encampment and with the surrounding community. Those in need of a safe space to stay were welcome to join the community, as long as they were willing to abide by the unwritten but clearly communicated guidelines for mutual respect, cleanliness and cooperation.

“The Waianae Coast mourns the tremendous loss of a cherished community pillar,” said Rep. Darius Kila, (District 44, Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Maili). “Twinkle Borge was a fierce advocate for Native Hawaiians and was dedicated to providing shelter and refuge for our houseless community. Aunty Twinkle’s unwavering commitment to kauhale as a housing solution and restoring normalcy and dignity for local families leaves a lasting legacy for our state.”

State Sen. Cross Crabbe (Senate District 22, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Makua), who was recently appointed to serve the remainder of retired Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, got to know Borge while serving as office manager for Gates. He praised Borge for her “innovative housing solutions and unwavering compassion.”

“Working with her was a transformative experience; her visionary approach and genuine care inspired all who had the privilege to collaborate with her,” he said. “As we mourn this significant loss, we remember her enduring legacy and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who feel her absence.” 

Borge was 54, no cause of death was given. Plans for a memorial service are pending.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.