Twinkle Borge, longtime activist and leader of the Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae homeless encampment, died Monday.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Twinkle Borge, our cherished leader of Pu‘uhonua O Wai‘anae. Twinkle dedicated her life to serving others and lifting up those around her. Twinkle was often heard saying, “kuleana wakes up the mana inside,” and was a firm believer that every single person – houseless or not – can be a leader in their community,” read an announcement from Pu‘uhonua O Waianae.

Pu‘uhonua O Waianae (or Refuge of Waianae) is an organized community of about 200 homeless people near the Waianae Small Boat Harbor, and sits on 20 acres of state land between Waianae High School and the boat harbor. Borge has for years led the community and fought for the rights of the homeless and Native Hawaiians.

“In this time of grief, we ask for privacy for her family and the residents of Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae. Twinkle Borge will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of aloha, kindness, and community will live on,” the statement said.

The cause of death was not immediately released.

Gov. Josh Green released a statement Tuesday saying, “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.

“A visionary, advocate and activist who made the impossible a reality by bringing people together, her Pu‘uhonua o Wai‘anae kauhale is actively being built and will put roofs over the heads of her Wai‘anae 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. Hawai‘i mourns with you.”

There are plans for a memorial service, but details have not been determined.