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A New Beginning: Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae Farm Village Welcomes Home First Residents to Phase 1 of Permanent Housing.

After years of hard work, Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae Farm Village has welcomed its first group of residents into Phase 1 of its permanent housing units. Two and a half years after breaking ground in October 2022, 13 homes are now occupied by 24 individuals—marking a powerful new chapter in this self-organized village rooted in aloha, kuleana, and community. The milestone brings the Village one step closer to fulfilling founder Twinkle Borge’s vision: to “bring home” up to 250 houseless individuals and families from the Wai‘anae Boat Harbor.

Located on a 20-acre parcel in Wai‘anae Valley, the Village represents the culmination of a self-led effort by residents to build a safe, communal, and loving place to call home. Phase 1 features essential infrastructure and the first cluster of homes, all designed to support healing, shared responsibility, and mutual care through a communal layout.

The homes were built using a cost-effective design that reduces both construction and long-term operating expenses. By sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and utility infrastructure, Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae has significantly lowered costs—making it possible to offer sustainable living without relying on government subsidies or housing vouchers.

“It’s an honor to be the first group of people to finally open the door and feel safe in their own area around neighbors that we all get along with,” said Nainoa Brown Kahananui, a new resident. “To me, aloha is Twinkle Borge. She was the embodiment of aloha. Every piece of her being was aloha—and now her vision is finally a reality.”

For Charmaine Baisac, who has lived at the Wai‘anae Boat Harbor since 2011, the transition is life-changing:

“I like being here because I don’t have to worry about the heavy rain. At least I get home—I have four walls, I can sleep better. I have a door. I don’t have to worry. This is better than being on the street,” said Baisac. “I pray every day for the people still down there—that everybody can come here and nobody gets left behind.”

Residents, who have already been active in community service through “Make a Difference Days” and neighborhood beautification projects, will continue to serve the broader Wai‘anae community while maintaining their shared home.

Mahalo nui to our residents, volunteers, community supporters and donors from across the islands and abroad for all your support.

The journey continues. Be sure to follow us for updates. Aloha!