Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae is a village of approximately 250 people living unhoused on the edge of the Wai'anae Boat Harbor on the leeward side of O'ahu. It is home to keiki, kupuna and working families. Two-thirds are Native Hawaiian. The village is led by Twinkle Borge, a longtime village resident affectionately known as, “Mama."
The people of Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae have built a remarkable community that, in many ways, is a role model for other communities. We know our neighbors, caring for children is a shared kuleana, rules are created and honored by residents, and community service is expected from everyone. Our village is also a refuge where many heal from financial disaster, trauma, abuse, addiction, injury or illness.
In 2018, Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae was threatened with eviction by the State. Thanks to the intervention of Governor David Ige, we received time to plan our own transition. That's when we began fundraising to purchase private land to build our own village.
In 2020, we completed fundraising to purchase land and bought a 20-acre property in the back of Wai'anae Valley. Village leaders then refined plans and designs for the site and structures, clearing and healing the land. We also built the first pilots for communal structures and homes on the land.
Today, we are focused on raising the funds to continue building.
In the Pu'honua O Wai'anae Farm Village, we are building on the existing strengths of Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae—an effective mix of modernity and traditional Hawaiian communal living. As a result, we will 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.
Your tax-deductible donation will help improve the quality of life for others. Mahalo!