Kuleana in Action: The Heart Work of Billy Rose and Sheila at Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae

As Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae prepares for its next chapter, two leaders step forward to carry not just supplies — but the spirit of a beloved community.

By Janyah Momoe, Special Contributor

Billie Rose, village resident and donation coordinator, has an important role in managing all donated items coming into Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae (POW). The donation center is open all week, and Billie Rose sorts and organizes as the donations come in. Each villager is able to come in to get what they need, and this offer is open to those of the public who are in need as well. She sorts clothing by size and gender; organizes toys, school supplies, and household items; monitors what villagers take in order to make sure everyone has their fair share; and responds to emergency calls when someone needs something urgently. Her job is crucial for the well-being of all of the villagers. 

Shirley another village resident, is pantry coordinator, and manages donations of all non-perishable food items. She organizes canned goods, baby food, and instant noodles; and monitors the inventory to make sure there’s enough for village’s need. Shirley and Billie Rose are two of many backbones of Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae. Both found purpose in the kuleana given to them by Twinkle Borge. They do what they do, for their community, but also as part of ‘Mama’s’ legacy. “I used to be a shy person. When Mama needed me to step up, I did. This kuleana turned me into a leader, and I’m finally understanding my purpose.”

As everyone prepares for the move up mauka, downsizing is part of the work, and deconstruction of the old pantry tent is underway. This also applies to various sections of POW, deconstructing old campsites as residents move to the mauka property. Recently, Billie Rose and Shirley had assistance from a group of high school students who are part of the Pua Kaiaulu summer program. The students helped Billie and Shirley move supplies, organize bags of clothes, and downsize the pantry. Students heard from Shirley and Billie, about the importance of leadership in the village, and the kuleana they take for their community and for Twinkle. 

When asked how POW differs from other communities the students have visited, a Kumu of Pua Kaiaulu said that there's a different kind of “beloved community” in the bushes of the Boat Harbor. “I don’t know what the future holds, but by rethinking what housing is, and maybe rethinking what community is, you come to find that we all are very much equal. We’re all in this together, and in our own communities, we sometimes forget that. But it’s impossible to forget that here at Puʻuhonua.” 

A huge mahalo to Pua Kaiaulu Youth Group for volunteering your time to learn & help here at POW. We are so grateful for your support!