Kalea Confederation

Kalea Confederation
*Aupuni Hui Kalea*
Kalea Confederation Aupuni Hui Kalea
	Flag Coat of arms
	Motto: “He aliʻi ka ʻāina; he kauwā ke kanaka.” (Kalean) “The land is the chief; man is its servant.” (English)
	Anthem: Kaua I Ka Huahua’i
Capital and largest city	Heiau
Official languages	Kalean
Recognised national languages	Kalean
Recognised regional languages	Niʻihau
Ethnic groups	Kalean (91%), Ni'ihau (3%), Other (6%)
Religion	Pūlahism (47%), Koaism (25%), Atheist (18%), Ni'ihau folk religion (3%), Sky Faith (1%), Other (6%)
Demonym(s)	Kalean, Niʻihau
Government	Libertarian socialist federated semi-direct democracy
• Co-President	Eleu Kamea (DUP)
• Co-President	Noa Apekalmoa (I)
• Co-Chair	Keonaona Keone (DUP)
• Co-Chair	Nohea Pilialoha (PAD)
Legislature	Kalean Legislative Assembly
Establishment
• Settlement	~1000 CE
• Warring Tribes	~1200 CE
• Kingdom	1531 CE
• Republic	1774 CE
• Confederation	9 January, 1783 CE
Area
• Total	282,383 km2 (109,029 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate	8.41 million
• Density	77.13/sq mi (29.8/km2)
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	Ḵ 75.80 billion
• Per capita	Ḵ 9,013.08
Gini	0.35; low
HDI	0.945; very high
Currency	Kalean Dala (Ḵ)
Date format	DD/MM/YY
Driving side	right
Calling code	+900
Internet TLD	.kal

Kalea, officially known as the Kalea Confederation (Kalean: Aupuni Hui Kalea), is a sovereign nation comprised of the Kalean island chain in the geographic region west of the continent of Ausiana in the Coalition of Crown Albatross. It is situated in the eastern portion of the Cantalle Ocean, just south of the Alutia Sea and just west of the Sancheon Gulf. Its closest neighbors are Ossinia to the north, Yuan to the east, Taupo to the south, and Sanpia, Emansi and Gangkou (administered by Zamastan) to the southeast. The climate consists of mostly subtropical forests. Its government functions as a libertarian socialist federated semi-direct democracy currently administered by a coalition of leftist parties. It consists of self-governing sub-regions in the provinces of Ho'olua, 'Akau and Hema. As of August 2022, it has an estimated population of 8.41 million inhabitants. It has a total area of 282,383 sq. km (109,029 sq. mi). Its capital and largest city is Heiau, located on the largest and northernmost island of the southern province of Hema. It is a member of the Western Euronia Defense Alliance, an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 countries spanning three continents.

Etymology

The word "Kalea" means “happiness” and “joy” in Kalean. The Confederation was named after the man most Kaleans consider as the "Father of the Confederation" and the "First Haoa," Kalea Apekalmoa. As well as naming Kalea after him, the most commonly spoken language at the time, the language now known as Kalean today, and the demonym of the people of Kalea, were also named in honor of him.

Picture of Kalea Apekalmoa at 98 (August 1840).

History

The history of the islands of Kalea has seen the rise of civilization from small tribal rivalries on individual islands to a centralized monarchy, from monarchy to an autocratic republic, and from autocrats to a unified confederacy of provinces. Kalea has a longstanding history of maintaining diplomatic neutrality in times of global unrest, most of which was due to willing isolation, but in recent times that neutrality has become more and more threatened as outside forces encroach on the soveriegnty of the islands.

First human settlement – Ancient Kalea (circa 1000 CE – 1531 CE)

Based on archaeological evidence, the earliest habitation of the Kalean Islands dates to around 1000–1200 CE, but it is unknown where the settlers originated from as all evidence prior to their arrival is as of yet to be discovered. The date of the human discovery and habitation of the Kalean Islands is the subject of academic debate. Some archaeologists and historians think it was a later wave of immigrants around 1200 CE who introduced a new line of high chiefs, the kapu system, the practice of human sacrifice, and the building of heiau. This later immigration is detailed in Ni'ihau mythology (moʻolelo) about Paʻao. Other authors say there is no archaeological or linguistic evidence for a later influx of settlers and that Paʻao must be regarded as a myth. There is some evidence to suggest that an earlier wave of immigrants first settled the islands nearly a millenia before around 100-200 CE, but the evidence is considered controversial amongst many scholars due to the evidence being primarily supported by the sudden disappearance of the indigenous people that inhabited the islands prior to the Kalean arrival, leading some scholars to believe that this earlier arrival caused the collapse of pre-Kalean societies.

The history of the islands is marked by a slow, steady growth in population and the size of the chiefdoms, which grew to encompass whole islands. Local chiefs, called aliʻi, ruled their settlements, and launched wars to extend their influence and defend their communities from predatory tribal rivals. Ancient Kalea was a caste-based society.

Artist depiction of Ancient Kaleans arriving circa ~1000 CE.
Artist depiction of an Ancient Kalean village center circa ~1200 CE.
Kalean ruling chief's feathered 'ahu 'ula and mahiole in the Kalean National Art Museum.
Warring Tribes period (~1360 CE – 1531 CE)

Kingdom of Mokupuni (1531 CE – 1774 CE)

During the 1520s, and into the early 1530s, chiefs often fought for power. After a series of battles that ended in 1531, all inhabited islands were subjugated under a single ruler, who became known as King Makoa the Great. He established the House of Makoa, a dynasty that ruled the kingdom until 1774. It was under the monarchy that Kalea had its greatest religious and spiritual revolution with the abandonment of traditional beliefs following the founding of Pūlahism and Koaism. These religious movements led to a short rebellion in 1703 that led to the abolition of the ancient caste system and paved the way for womens' equality.

Armed citizens partaking in the Rebellion of 1703.
Contemporaneous portrait of King Makoa.

Rise of Pūlahism and Koaism

It was during the reign of King Nahoa, between the years 1612 CE – 1632 CE, that a wayfaring stranger began preaching a message contrary to the established and accepted religion and society of the time. This stranger was called Pūlah, and she began spreading her message after she spent a lifetime searching only to find enlightenment in the one area she had never checked: within herself. This new religion openly advocated against the caste system, preached a message of a life without attachments and the metaphysical, and stated that within each and every person was an inner nature, later called "Pūlah" nature, that if unlocked would lead to true freedom in Paradaiso ("paradise"), a heaven-like realm that all may enter, regardless of their status in society. This religion later became known as Pūlahism in honor of its founder.

Artist depiction of Pūlah and one of her acolytes in 1629.

Not long after Pūlah began teaching her message, another came along and preached a message of balance and listening to the Ke Ala, or "the Way". This new religion was based on waiting and listening to the Ke Ala to guide you, and in doing so you would live a life of balance and harmony. This religion later became known as Koaism in honor of its founder, Koa.

Etched portrait of Koa circa 1640.

Republic of Mokupuni (1774 CE – 1783 CE)

Towards the later years of the Monarchy, the nobility and many wealthy businessmen had amassed large amounts of political power. In June 1774, King Makani was forced to sign the 1774 Constitution of the Kingdom of Mokupuni. The document stripped the king of much of his authority. It established a property qualification for voting that effectively disenfranchised most Kaleans and immigrant laborers and favored the wealthier elite and nobility. The wealthier elite and noblility were allowed to vote while those in middle and lower classes were not. As the 1774 Constitution was signed under threat of violence, it is known as the Bayonet Constitution. King Makani, reduced to a figurehead, reigned until his death, shrouded in mysterious circumstances, at the end of November 1774. With no appointed heir to succeed him, he was the last King of Mokupuni as the autocrats moved quickly to exploit this and abolish the monarchy entirely, officially declaring the Republic of Mokupuni under the falsehood that it was King Makani's dying wish. Additionally, a commission was made for the creation of the first national flag by the newly established government.

Portrait of King Makani.
Flag of the Republic of Mokupuni. (1774 CE - 1783 CE)

In early February 1782, the autocratic government divided the republic into three provinces based on which islands were a part of the three major tribes remaining. This act was seen as the crucial turning point in the downfall of the autocracy because it fuelled tribal patriotism. Months later in June 1782, representatives from each of the three tribes met with representatives of the government to promote closer cooperation between governmental and tribal authority. This meeting did not go as planned for the government, as the tribal leaders had met a month earlier in May to discuss plans for overthrowing the oppressive upper classes, and the tribal representatives assassinated the government's representatives. When news of this spread, it further fuelled tribal patriotism to the point of civil unrest. The government ordered the army to dispatch to deal with the unrest, but the soldiers were more loyal to their tribes than the government that oppressed them. A majority of the army deserted and marched on the capital of Heiau. With little resistance, the tribes overthrew the government, arrested and imprisoned those in positions of government, and began talks of what new governmental structure would be implemented. The republic lasted for a total of just under nine years and was officially ended on January 1, 1783 with the turn of the new year.

Kalean Army forces organizing to overthrow the aristocratic government.

Kalea Confederation (1783 CE – Present Day)

The founder of the Confederation, Kalea Apekalmoa, had a dream of unifying the three major tribes of the islands to bring their common culture together, provide reparations for years of oppression, and to thwart possible aspirations of foreign powers subjugating the Kalean people. He proposed that each major tribal leader be given sovereignty over a select geographical region of the Kalean island chain, and subsequently, all those within their tribe and minor tribes inhabiting the islands, reestablishing the provinces recently established under the former republic as the three provinces of the Confederation: Ho'olua, 'Akau and Hema. 9 January, 1783 is the day when Kalea was officially established as a Confederation and when the national holiday "Celebration of Confederation" occurs to commemorate the founding of Kalea and honor its founder. Several months after the Confederation was established, the newly government issued a commission for the creation of a national flag. Over time, this union has grown and evolved in its many forms, but all have taken a somewhat similar model to that of Kalea Apekalmoa's original Confederation. What can be seen today is the result of centuries of collaboration into what is now known as the Kalea Confederation.

First flag of the Kalea Confederation. (1783 CE - 1959 CE)
Second flag of the Kalea Confederation. (1959 CE - 2022 CE)

Geography and environment

Kalea has three provinces, Ho'olua, 'Akau and Hema, comprised of a number of islands totaling at thirty-one. Ho'olua has the most islands at 17, followed by 'Akau at nine islands, and finally Hema at five islands. The various bodies of water surrounding the islands are what make up the boundaries between each of the provinces. Separating several islands of the Ho'olua province is the Ho'olua Sound. Separating several islands of the 'Akau province is the Sea of Apekalmoa. Its closest neighbors are Yuan to the east, Toyana to the south, and Gangkou (Zamastan) to the southeast. It shares maritime borders with Yuan to the east and Toyana to the south.

Bodies of water around Kalea
Ho'olua (yellow), 'Akau (red), Hema (green)

Climate

Due to its location, Kalea's climate is dominated by subtropical forests. These types of forests are characterized by low variability in annual temperature and high levels of rainfall (>200 centimetres (79 in) annually). Monsoons are a frequent occurrence during rainfall in Kalea. Forest composition is dominated by evergreen and semi-evergreen deciduous tree species. These trees number in the thousands and contribute to the highest levels of species diversity in any terrestrial major habitat type. These forests are home to more species than any other terrestrial ecosystem. A perpetually warm, wet climate makes these environments more productive than any other terrestrial environment on Iearth and promotes explosive plant growth.

Wildlife and fauna

Among the diversity of Kalea's climate, it boasts some of the highest number of species in the world despite its geography and size. Kalea is home to a varying amount of bird species such as hornbills, toucans, and the harpy eagle, as well as a varying amount of mammal species such as deer and the hoary bat. These forests contain an unparalleled diversity of invertebrate species. Aquatic life is no exception, with Kalea home to several species of angelfish, barracuda, blenny, butterflyfish, cardinalfish, and many, many more.

Flora in Kalea is just as diverse as its wildlife. The pendant kihi fern, bird's-nest fern, Kalean tree fern, serpent woodfern, amaumau fern, and whisk fern are just a few of the ferns native to Kalea. Among the trees native to Kalea, there are several trees of the genera Dracaena, Pritchardia, and Myrsine just to name a few. Native flowers to Kalea include anthurium, bird of paradise, Kalean gardenia, pikake, blue ginger, Kalean hibiscus, plumeria, and so much more.

Topography

The topography of Kalea ranges from flat tropics in the eastern islands of 'Akau and Hema to small mountain tropics in the western islands of Ho'olua. Small mountain tropics can also be found on the westernmost islands of 'Akau.

Topographical map of Kalea

Politics and government

The political system of Kalea is based on its adopted constitution. It provides that all residents of Kalea shall enjoy fundamental rights such as gender equality and freedom of religion. It also provides for property rights. Kalea's system of community government has direct democratic aspirations in the form of municipal and provincial councils.

National flag of Kalea.
Provincial flag of Ho'olua.
Provincial flag of 'Akau.
Provincial flag of Hema.

Executive branch

The Kalean Executive Council, or simply the Executive Council, acts as a joint coordination committee that oversees the implementation of policies developed by the Kalean Legislative Assembly. The Council assists with coordination and collaboration between provinces and municipalities in political, economic, social and cultural matters; particularly that of diplomatic and military matters. It also supervises and follows the work of federal Departments and Ministries, as well as oversees the implementation and enforcement of all legislation passed by the Legislative Assembly. It is currently headed by two Co-Presidents, Eleu Kamea (DUP) and Noa Apekalmoa (I).

Executive Council 2022 composition
Co-President Eleu Kamea, DUP (Age 22)
Co-President Noa Apekalmoa, I (Age 62)

Legislative branch

The Kalean Legislative Assembly, or simply the Legislative Assembly, is a unicameral legislature and the sole legislature of Kalea. It is comprised of a total of 257 seats, with one seat per 15,000 registered voters in Kalea at the time of each election. It is currently dominated by a coalition of left-wing parties, the Democratic Union Party and Progressive Alliance for Democracy. The Opposition is comprised of a coalition of minor parties, the Pūlahist Socialist Party and National Solidarity Party. There are a total of 257 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is currently headed by Co-Chairs Keonaona Keone (DUP) and Nohea Pilialoha (PAD).

Legislative Assembly composition
Co-Chair Keonaona Keone, DUP (Age 48)
Co-Chair Nohea Pilialoha, PAD (Age 41)

Judicial branch

See Legal system of Kalea

The justice system in Kalea is influenced by the libertarian socialist ideology of democratic confederalism. At the local level, citizens create Peace and Consensus Committees, which make group decisions on minor criminal cases and disputes as well as in separate committees resolve issues of specific concern to women's rights like domestic violence and marriage. At the regional level, citizens (who need not be trained jurists) are elected by the regional People's Councils to serve on seven-member People's Courts. At the next level are four Appeals Courts, composed of trained jurists. The court of last resort is the Provincial Court, which serves the region as a whole in each province. Separate from this system, the Constitutional Court renders decisions on compatibility of acts of government and legal proceedings with the constitution of Kalea.

Kalea proclaims absolute equality of women under the law, allowing civil marriage and banning forced marriage, polygamy and underage marriage. A new criminal justice approach was implemented that emphasizes restoration over retribution. The death penalty has been abolished in Kalea.

2022 Election

This past election cycle saw several changes to the current ballots. The Democratic Confederalist Party & Syndicalist Party merged to form the Democratic Union Party (DUP); the Social Democrat Party & Liberal Party merged to form the Progressive Alliance for Democracy (PAD); the Federalist Party & Traditionalist Party merged to form the National Solidarity Party (NSP). The consolidation of six of the major political parties that currently hold seats in the Kalean Legislative Assembly into three larger parties brings the total number of parties to four, which is down three from the previous seven parties that dominated past elections.

With the dramatic increase in the number of voters this year, the number of seats changed for the first time in almost a decade. It increased a total of three seats from 253 seats to 257 seats, three times as many more seats than the last time the number of seats increased. This seemingly insignificant yet unprecedented change is due to an increase in over 45,000 new registered voters in just the last two months.

The three candidates in total running for the Co-Presidency were current Legislative Assembly Co-Chair Eleu Kamea, former Legislative Assembly Representative Noa Iosua, and a last-minute admission for Noa Apekalmoa, the great-grandson of the founder of the Confederation, Kalea Apekalmoa.

Results

The total tally of votes cast was 3,870,503, up over 70,000 votes from the previous election four years ago. The Democratic Union Party won a total of 85 seats; the Progressive Alliance for Democracy won a total of 63 seats; the Pūlahist Socialist Party won a total of 45 seats; the National Solidarity Party won a total of 65 seats. Eleu Kamea (DUP) won the most number of votes with a total of 1,637,126; Noa Apekalmoa (I) won the second-most number of votes with a total of 1,135,026; Noa Iosua (NSP) came in a close third with a total number of 1,098,351 votes. The Co-Presidents elected in 2022 to serve out the next four years were Eleu Kamea and Noa Apekalmoa.

Military

The main military force of Kalea is the Kalean Democratic Forces (KDF), an alliance of Kalean provincial militia groups formed in 1915. Service is compulsory for all men and women of legal age, though some exceptions are made, such as for conscientious objectors or the disabled. Each provincial militia is comprised of several municipal militias that double as municipal police forces. The KDF is locally recruited to garrison their municipal and provincial areas and is under the responsibility and command of the respective provinces and municipalities of Kalea. Before the creation of the KDF, the only other official Kalean military force was its small standing army under both the Republic and Kingdom of Mokupuni. The KDF currently has a total of 157,982 active personnel and 864,931 reserve personnel. Select units are comprised solely of women.

Being an island nation, the concern of maintaining sovereignty over Kalean maritime borders and airspace arose in response to actions taken by Yuan. The Kalean Maritime Patrol (KMP) was then established in 1985 as a naval branch of the KDF comprised of volunteer municipal militias that are based out of major coastal municipalities. Several naval vessels were constructed over the span of ten years to create the flotilla necessary to complete this new branch. It now consists of twenty-two corvettes, fifteen gunboats, and eleven frigates. The Kalean Air Patrol (KAP) was established alongside the KMP in 1985 as an aerial branch of the KDF comprised of volunteer municipal militias that are based out of major municipalities. In 1965, the first of three military modernization programs were initiated to equip the KDF with modern military equipment.

On March 14th, 2023, the KMP announced plans for construction of four planned frigates that will begin at the end of 2023 and is scheduled to be delivered between 2025 and 2028. The Kahiki-class frigate was revealed by the KMP as a new class of future general-purpose frigates for the KMP, replacing the Makai-class.

Flag of the Kalean Democratic Forces (KDF)
Flag of the Kalean Maritime Patrol (KMP)
Flag of the Kalean Air Patrol (KAP)

Notable conflicts

Warring Tribes period

Warring Tribes period (~1360 CE – 1531 CE)

Rebellion of 1703

Armed citizens partaking in the Rebellion of 1703.

Republic of Mokupuni coup (1783 CE)

Kalean Army forces organizing to overthrow the aristocratic government.

Intervention in Taupo (2016 CE – present)

Since 2016, the Kalean Democratic Forces have been involved in an ongoing intervention in the unrest that has plagued the Republic of Taupo since 2011, which has seen two Prime Ministers assassinated and violent insurgencies battling local authority in often brutal clashes. Originally, the intervention only came in the form of humanitarian aid such as food and shelter; however, that quickly changed as the volunteers began to be assaulted, kidnapped, and murdered by local insurgents. Military force was not used until November 2018 when five KDF soldiers sent as a guard detachment were murdered in a shootout by the insurgents. The Taupoese people were initially very welcoming of the aid, but that changed in the last few years after a group of KDF soldiers was recorded torturing an innocent Taupoese man. Protests have become commonplace among Taupoese refugees in Kalea, demanding that the Kalean government cease all military intervention and the KDF be withdrawn.

Jinchon Sea crisis (2014 CE - present)

See Jinchon Sea crisis

Sinking of the KMP Iolana

Terehan War (October 2022 - present)

See Terehan War

Foreign relations

Kalea once had a strict policy of non-association when it comes to foreign relations. Originally, Kalea had no foreign status with any other foreign nation. However, events in the recent century with their neighbor to the east Yuan has forced Kalea to hold suspicions on their motivations. As a result of the actions of Yuan, Kalea has acknowledged and endorsed the sovereignty of Zamastanian control of Gangkou, largely as a move to deter Yuaneze influence.

Many youth movements support a policy of opening and maintaining foreign relations with other foreign nations around the globe. This came as a result of the Kalean response to the legal status of Gangkou. Notable youth politicians such as Co-President Eleu Kamea of the Democratic Union Party are in support of these movements. Recent legislation and policy decisions that have been made have opened further foreign relations with neighboring foreign nations, most notably Zamastan and other member states of WEDA.

2022 CCA Leaders Summit

Kalea attended the 2022 CCA Leaders Summit. Former Head of State Co-President Pika Akamai and then Co-Chair Eleu Kamea were in attendance.

West Ausiana maritime disputes

Recent decades have seen an increase in tensions between Kalea and Yuan, with the events of the past year bringing tensions to an alltime high. The sinking of the KMP Iolana on May 18th by a Yuaneze military vessel brought Kalea to the forefront of the ongoing geopolitical struggles that countries have dealt with over Yuan for decades. Just as of August 31st, after a policy decision by the YCP would reclaim maritime rights in the entirety of the Sancheon Gulf, allowing Yuaneze fishing boats and drilling companies to be permitted to conduct operations no less than 15 miles off the coast of Kalea.

Western Euronia Defense Alliance

On Wednesday, September 15th, 2022, the standing members of the Western Euronia Defense Alliance (WEDA) gathered to consider the membership application of Kalea that was passed by the Legislative Assembly on that same day. After careful consideration, having been reviewed, debated, and put to a vote by member nations of WEDA in Viitaniemi, Caspiaa, with recognition of both proposals and the contents within, the organization's administrative board has approved the application with respective votes of 19-5. The acceptance of Kalea into WEDA is a historic one as it is one of two nations recently accepted that reside in the Ausianan continent, the other being Siniapore. Kalea and Siniapore are only a few of a handful of other nations recently accepted into the organization in an unprecedented expansion, alongside Vorrica, Saint Lorrain, Laurichesse, and Lower Aseu just a day later on Thursday, September 16th, 2022.

2023 CCA Leaders Summit

Kalea attended the 2023 CCA Leaders Summit. Boths current Heads of State Co-President Noa Apekalmoa and Co-President Eleu Kamea were in attendance.

Economy

Kalea is administered by a coalition that bases its policy ambitions to a large extent on the libertarian socialist ideology of democratic confederalism and has been described as pursuing a model of economy that blends co-operative and market enterprise, through a system of local councils in minority, cultural and religious representation. The Kalean economy is developing in accordance with the People’s Economy Plan. This plan encompasses three key principles -

Ownership-by-Use
Workers' Councils
Commons

Ownership-by-Use: After traditional private property was abolished in late 2012, all buildings, land, and infrastructure came under the control of the local councils. Rather than taking a Marxist-Leninist approach of nationalizing everything, however, the Kaleans replaced it with an ownership-by-use principle. This means that if you live in a house, you own it; if you produce in a workplace, you own it; if you work a piece of land, you own it; what you can't do is sell it on the open market. This is instrumental in preventing the unjust accumulation of capital and acts as an effective safeguard against exploitation. This, of course, doesn't affect the status of personal property, such as clothing, appliances, automobiles, etc. providing it is obtained in an acceptable way.

Workers’ Councils: This tenant of the PEP gives workers control of the means of production in a Marxist sense. Various ministries mediate between and cooperate with the workers' councils to ensure the effective and equitable distribution of produce. Profits are split into three: 30% is spent on the planned production and future projects, 50% is divided between the workers according to their needs and expended efforts, and 20% is spent on the immediate needs of the cooperatives: health insurance, education, electricity, water, upkeep of roads, etc.

Commons: The commons encompass everything that the above two categories don’t. That’s public land, public infrastructure, community buildings, water, flora & fauna, and even livestock (most, not all). By giving the members of the community the right to access these facilities it not only ensures that it is managed in the interest of each and every person, but it also serves as a sort of safety net for those without resources of their own. These resources are managed in the interest of the community, but also in their own interest - in terms of ecology and sustainability. In 2014, 75% - 80% of land in Kalea was being managed as commons with the remaining quarter being retained by individuals.

In recent years, the Kalean economy has seen a shift towards a more inclusive and participatory economic model. Kalea has embarked on a transformative journey, adopting new principles to reshape its economy. Kalea aims to harness the potential of its vast resources and human capital to foster sustainable development and empower its citizens. With its strong emphasis on local self-governance, participatory decision-making, and communal ownership of resources, Kalea has recognized the inherent strengths of this model and its potential to address pressing economic challenges while promoting social justice and environmental sustainability.

One of the key pillars of Kalea's new economic framework is the establishment of cooperatives across various sectors. By encouraging collective ownership and democratic control, these cooperatives enable communities to actively participate in economic activities, ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and resources. Through cooperative enterprises, individuals and communities are empowered to manage their own production, create employment opportunities, and address local needs effectively. To support the cooperative movement, the Kalean government has introduced policies that prioritize grassroots decision-making and foster community-driven development. Local councils and assemblies have been empowered to participate in economic planning, allocating resources based on the needs and aspirations of their respective communities. This decentralization of power aims to ensure that economic decisions align with the priorities and aspirations of the Kalean people.

Furthermore, Kalea is investing in education and skills development to nurture a knowledgeable and empowered citizenry capable of actively participating in the cooperative economy. By promoting vocational training and entrepreneurial education, the country is equipping its citizens with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and self-sufficiency of their communities.

The shift towards a cooperative and decentralized planning system also presents a unique opportunity to address the environmental challenges facing Kalea. The emphasis on sustainability and community-driven decision-making allows for the integration of eco-friendly practices in economic activities. Through the active participation of local communities, renewable energy projects, waste management initiatives, and sustainable agriculture practices are being promoted to mitigate environmental degradation and foster ecological resilience.

Communities across the country have embraced the cooperative model, leading to increased productivity, improved living standards, and reduced economic inequalities. Moreover, the participatory nature of decision-making has instilled a sense of ownership and civic responsibility, fostering social cohesion and stability. Kalea's transition towards a cooperative economy through decentralized planning sets a precedent for other nations grappling with economic and social challenges. By centering decision-making power in the hands of local communities and emphasizing collective ownership, Kalea is charting a path toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. As Kalea continues to implement and refine its economic model, the government remains committed to learning from its economic successes and failures, adapting new principles to suit the country's unique context. With a collective effort, determination, and a commitment to social justice, Kalea aims to unlock the full potential of its economy, empowering its citizens and building a prosperous future for all.

The history of Kalea's economy can be traced through a succession of dominant industries: sandalwood, whaling, sugarcane, pineapple, the military, tourism and education. The majority of its exports include food and clothing. The country's food exports include coffee, macadamia nuts, pineapple, livestock, sugarcane and honey.

Cooperatives

Under the new cooperative economic model, Kalea has witnessed the emergence of cooperatives in various industries and sectors that exemplify the principles of cooperative ownership, decentralized planning, and community participation. Such industries are agriculture, energy, housing, manufacturing, tourism, and even a new consumer industry within the retail sector. These examples highlight the transformative potential of cooperative ownership and decentralized planning in various sectors of Kalea's economy. By empowering communities to actively participate in economic activities and make decisions that align with their needs, aspirations, and values, Kalea is fostering an inclusive and sustainable economic landscape.

Agricultural Cooperatives: Kalea's agricultural sector has seen the rise of agricultural cooperatives where farmers join forces to collectively manage land, share resources, and pool their expertise. These cooperatives enable small-scale farmers to access better infrastructure, technology, and market opportunities. By working together, farmers can improve productivity, reduce costs, and negotiate fair prices for their produce, leading to enhanced food security and increased incomes for rural communities.
Energy Cooperatives: Kalea has harnessed its abundant energy potential through the establishment of community-based energy cooperatives. These cooperatives facilitate the ownership and management of petroleum extraction and refinement and renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power by local communities. By participating in the planning, implementation, and operation of energy initiatives, communities are empowered to meet their energy needs, sustainably, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and generate income through surplus power production.
Housing Cooperatives: Housing cooperatives have emerged as an effective means to address any housing shortage in Kalea. Communities come together to collectively build and manage affordable housing complexes. Through cooperative ownership, residents have a say in decision-making, maintenance, and the allocation of housing units. This model promotes access to secure and affordable housing, improves living conditions, and fosters a sense of community and social cohesion.
Manufacturing Cooperatives: The manufacturing sector in Kalea has witnessed the growth of worker-owned manufacturing cooperatives. By collectively owning and managing production facilities, workers have a direct stake in the success of the enterprise. Cooperative manufacturing promotes job creation, skills development, and equitable distribution of profits among workers. It encourages the growth of local industries and reduces dependence on imported goods.
Tourism Cooperatives: Kalea's rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes have led to the formation of tourism cooperatives. Local communities collaborate to offer tourism services such as accommodation, guided tours, and cultural experiences. By actively participating in tourism activities, communities preserve their heritage, generate income, and promote sustainable tourism practices that prioritize environmental conservation and cultural authenticity.
Consumer Cooperatives: Consumer cooperatives have gained traction in Kalea's retail sector. These cooperatives enable consumers to join together and collectively purchase goods in bulk directly from producers or wholesalers, bypassing intermediaries. By leveraging their collective purchasing power, consumers can access quality products at lower prices, promoting affordability and reducing market inefficiencies.

Energy

Petroleum provides nearly nine-tenths of all the energy consumed in Kalea. The transportation sector leads energy demand in Kalea due in large part to heavy jet fuel use by military installations and commercial airlines. Petroleum-fired power plants supply more than three-fourths of Kalea's electricity generation. Generation from coal and several renewable sources, including hydroelectricity, geothermal, landfill gas, and other biomass, supply the remainder. Due to the mild tropical climate, many households do not require energy for home heating. After the Democratic Confederalist Party formed a coalition with the Syndicalist Party and the Pūlahist Socialist Party in 2018, legislation passed that year implemented a Green New Deal compromise to begin switching to more sustainable, renewable, and clean energy sources based upon DCP party core beliefs of environmental sustainability and social ecology.

Industry

According to the Kalea Agricultural Statistics Service, agricultural sales were Ḵ370.9 million from diversified agriculture, Ḵ100.6 million from pineapple, and Ḵ64.3 million from sugarcane. Kalea's relatively consistent climate has attracted the seed industry, which is able to test three generations of crops per year on the islands, compared with one or two on the mainland. Seeds yielded Ḵ264 million in 2012, supporting 140,000 workers. Since 1959, tourism has been the largest industry, contributing 24.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 1997, despite efforts to diversify.

Infrastructure

In 2015, it was reported by the Kalean Executive Council that 74% of the population had access to improved sanitation, and that "good progress" had been made between 1990 and 2015. As of 2016, 96% of Kalean households have an improved source of drinking water, and 92% of households had sanitary toilet facilities, although connections of these toilet facilities to appropriate sewerage systems remain largely insufficient especially in rural and urban poor communities. Building infrastructure remains an issue during times of excessive rainfall due to surgent monsoons. However, several construction projects are underway in several major cities to construct floodwalls and a series of artificial flow paths to control water flow and mitigate the effects of monsoons.

Transportation

A system of highways encircles each main island. Narrow, winding roads and congestion in populated places can slow traffic. Each major island has a public bus system. Heiai International Airport is the major commercial aviation hub of Kalea. Until air passenger services began in the 1920s, private boats were the sole means of traveling between the islands. Kalea has a network of railroads on each of the larger islands that transports commodities and passengers.

Demographics

The population of Kalea as of August 2022 is estimated to be around 8.41 million. An overwhelming majority of around 91% of the population is homogeneously Native Kalean, while the remaining 9% of the population is divided between around 3% being ethnically part of the Ni'ihau tribe and 6% part of other ethnicities.

An estimated 1.4 million people reside in Heiau and the immediate surrounding area, just under 16% of the entire population, making the capital the most densely populated city in Kalea. Despite its population size and density, it is the most beautiful city in Kalea.

Education

Kalea is often praised for leading the way towards better and more equal education, and the Kalean education systems do stand out. Education is free and publicly funded in Kalea, and the welfare-state mentality makes way for an inclusive and cooperative way of learning. The basic principles entail that everyone should have the same educational opportunities, regardless of their social or economic background. Kalean populations are becoming increasingly educated, and over 22% of Kaleans had attained a higher education of three years or more in 2019. Kalean women in particular are climbing the educational ladder, notably in the province of Hema where females recently outnumbered men in higher education.

Religion

Religion in Kalea is dominated by just under half (47%) of the population practicing Pūlahism, while just under a third (25%) of the population practices Koaism. Pūlahism and Koaism form a close relationship in Kalea with either of the religions influencing the other. The remaining population is either Atheist (18%), or adheres to Ni'ihau folk religion (3%) or another religion (7%). The Ni'ihau folk religion is rarely seen outside of the Ni'ihau community.

Pūlahism

Pūlahism is a localized Kalean religion or philosophical tradition based on a series of original teachings attributed to Pūlah. It originated in Kalea sometime between the 17th and 18th centuries CE, spreading through much of Kalea. It is Kalea's largest religion with just under four million followers, or just over 50% of the Kalean population, known as Pūlahists. Pūlahism encompasses a variety of traditions, teachings, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on the Pūlah's teachings and resulting interpreted philosophies.

As expressed in the Pūlah's Four Noble Truths, the goal of Pūlahism is to overcome suffering caused by desire and ignorance of reality's true nature, including impermanence and the non-existence of the self. Most Pūlahist traditions emphasize transcending the individual self through the attainment of their "Pūlah" nature or by following the path of Pūlahhood, ending the cycle of death and rebirth. Pūlahist schools vary in their interpretation of the path to liberation, the relative importance and canonicity assigned to the various Pūlahist texts, and their specific teachings and practices. Widely observed practices include meditation, observance of moral precepts, monasticism, taking refuge in the Pūlah, the Ka Pona ("the right", referring to right or righteous action) and the Halawai ("meeting"), and the cultivation of the Nā Pona ("virtues").

Artist depiction of Pūlah and one of her acolytes in 1629.

Koaism

Koaism is a philosophical and spiritual tradition of Kalean origin which emphasizes living in harmony with the Ke Ala. In Koaism, the Ke Ala is the source, pattern and substance of everything that exists. Koaism teaches about the various disciplines for achieving "perfection" by becoming one with the unplanned rhythms of the all, called "the way" or "Ke Ala". Koaist ethics vary depending on the particular school, but in general tend to emphasize hana me ka manao ole ("action without intention"), naturalness, simplicity, spontaneity and the Three Treasures: compassion, frugality and humility.

Ni'ihau mythology

Ni'hai folk religion encompasses the indigenous religious beliefs and practices of Native Kaleans. It is polytheistic and animistic, with a belief in many deities and spirits, including the belief that spirits are found in non-human beings and objects such as other animals, the waves, and the sky.

Ni'ihau folk religion originated among the first Kalean settlers. Today, Kalean religious practices are protected by the Indigenous Rights Freedom Act. Traditional Ni'ihau folk religion is practiced and survived by the Ni'ihau tribe and is aptly named after them for that.

Sky Faith

See Sky Faith

A small community of immigrants and first-generation citizens of Seran and Timerian heritage residing in Heiau practice the Sky Faith, a pagan, monotheistic religion based on the teachings of The Testament of Sky with a major emphasis on the sky and reincarnation of individuals and the universe. Its followers are known as Acolytes. The belief system of the Sky Faith is built upon the premise of birth, death, reincarnation, the divine right to choose one's own destiny, and the majesty of Tiyamike. Other tenets of the faith are the concepts of "true death", the reverence for the ancestors and the spirits, and the cautionary tales of the dark spirits.

Language

The Kalean language (ʻŌlelo Kalea) is a language that is part of the Toyanan language family that takes its name from Kalea Apekalmoa, the founder of Kalea. It developed among the indigenous peoples of the Kalean island chain and is one of only a few languages in the Toyanan language family, the others being the Ni'ihau dialect of Kalean and several other dialects that are no longer spoken, as well as Taupoese. Kalean is the official language of Kalea. Kalea Apekalmoa established the first Kalean-language constitution in 1839 in an effort to further unite the peoples of Kalea under one coherent language.

The Kalean alphabet has 13 letters: five vowels: a e i o u (each with a long pronunciation and a short one) and eight consonants: he ke la mu nu pi we, including a glottal stop called ʻokina. Long vowel pronunciation is expressed in the form of the macron. A modern Kalean name for the macron symbol is kahakō (kaha 'mark' + kō 'long'). It was formerly known as mekona (Kaleanization of macron). It can be written as a diacritical mark that looks like a hyphen or dash written above a vowel, i.e., ā ē ī ō ū and Ā Ē Ī Ō Ū. It is used to show that the marked vowel is a "double", or "geminate", or "long" vowel, in phonological terms.

Kalean originally was a spoken language, but when Kalea Apekalmoa began creating the first Kalean-language constitution he realized a script would be necessary for the promulgation and standardization of a Kalean language. The writing script of Kalean was originally based on the English alphabet. To emphasize the obvious differences between English and Kalean, several changes had to be made. These changes came in the form of the macron (kahakō or mekona) and the glottal stop (ʻokina).

Linguistic movements

A recent movement to create a new, individualized Kalean script has slowly gained traction. This new script is called Pī‘āpā Hou. It is an alternative alphabet for Kalean. The name Pī‘āpā Hou means “new alphabet” in Kalean. It is based on the English alphabet conventionally used for writing Kalean, and therefore includes the macron (kahakō or mekona) as well as the glottal stop (‘okina). However, the letters themselves were inspired by shapes found throughout nature in Kalea. Its direction of writing is left to right in horizontal lines.

Another alternative script created as a part of the new Kalean script movement is Mele Kākau. The name Mele Kākau means "Rhythm Writing" and comes from the Kalean words mele (rhythm) and kākau (to write). Its direction of writing is also left to right in horizontal lines. However, unlike Pī‘āpā Hou, this script is a syllabary and not an alphabet. One downside noted among linguists and other critics is that this script has no way of differentiating between long and short vowels, with some accrediting that to being a simple oversight and not done on purpose.

Culture

Music and art

The music of Kalea includes traditional and popular styles, ranging from native Kalean folk music to modern rock and hip hop. Styles such as slack-key guitar are well known worldwide. Traditional Kalean folk music is a major part of the country's musical heritage. The Kalean people have inhabited the islands for centuries and have retained much of their traditional musical knowledge. Their music is largely religious in nature and includes chanting and dance music. The most recent musical revolution began in the 1980s when the metal genre became popular, leading to the fusion of Kalean culture and metal into Kalean folk metal.

The art created in the Kalean islands may be divided into three categories; art produced before exposure to the outside world; art produced by recently arrived foreigners; and art produced by Kaleans incorporating foreign materials, ideas and concepts. Public collections of Kalean art may be found at the Heiau Museum of Art and the Kalean National Art Museum.

Cuisine

Kalean cuisine consists of a mix of indigenous plants and animals native to Kalea. 'Awa (Piper methysticum, kava) is a traditional food among Kaleans. Popular condiments included paʻakai (salt), ground kukui nut, limu (seaweed), and ko (sugarcane) which was used as both a sweet and a medicine. Men did all of the cooking, and food for women was cooked in a separate imu; afterward men and women ate meals separately per the ancient kapu (taboo) of separating the genders for meals. This kapu was abolished in 1819 by the Kalean Executive Council at the behest of Kalea's founder Kalea Apekalmoa. Staple ingredients include kalo (taro), 'uala (sweet potato), 'ulu (breadfruit), i'a (fish) and hāpu'u 'i'i (Kalean tree fern). Traditional Kalean meals include:

Kalua, pig cooked underground in an imu.
Poi (pronounced po-ee) is made from cooked, mashed, and sometimes lightly fermented taro. It is the starch staple of the native Kalean diet.
Laulau is made with beef, pork, or chicken and salted butterfish wrapped in taro leaves and then ti leaves. It was traditionally prepared in an imu.
Poke (pronounced po-keh) is a raw marinated fish or other seafood salad (such as ahi poke or octopus poke). It is made with sea salt, seaweed, kukui nut oil and in more recent times with soy sauce and sesame oil. Most cooked foods eaten by Native Kaleans were prepared either through steaming, boiling, or slow cooking in underground ovens known as imu. Due to their lack of non-flammable cooking vessels, steaming and boiling were achieved by heating rocks in fires and placing the hot rocks in bowls of water. Many other foods, such as fruits and most seafood, were eaten raw.
Lūʻau (pronounced Loo-ow) is made with coconut milk cooked with taro leaves in a pot. It has a creamy consistency. Squid is usually cooked with this dish, but chicken is sometimes substituted for the squid.
Haupia (pronounced how-pee-ah) is a flan-like dessert made with coconut milk and ground arrowroot. Cornstarch has become a widespread substitute for the arrowroot.
Ko'ele palau (pronounced ko-ele pa-lao) is a dessert made from cooked sweet potato mashed and mixed with coconut milk.
Inamona is a traditional relish or condiment often accompanied meals and is made of roasted and mashed kukui nutmeats, and sea salt. It is sometimes mixed with edible seaweed.
Kulolo (pronounced ku-lo-lo) is a pudding dessert made from grated taro corm and coconut milk that's baked in an imu, having a fudge-like consistency.
Piele is another Kalean pudding similar to Kulolo, with grated sweet potato or breadfruit mixed with coconut cream and baked.

Sports

Due to its geographical location, team sports in Kalea are characterized by youth, collegial and amateur teams over professional teams, although some professional sports teams have at one time played in the state. Notable professional teams include the Kalean Olympic Teams and the Kalea national football team. Kaleans have found success in the world of sumo wrestling and mixed martial arts. Surfing has been a central part of Kalean culture for centuries. Since the late 19th century, Kalea has become a major site for surfers from around the world. Kalea has produced elite-level swimmers as well.

Customs and etiquette

Some key customs and etiquette in Kalea are as follows: when visiting a home, it is considered good manners to bring a small gift for one's host (for example, a dessert). Thus, parties are usually in the form of potlucks. Most locals take their shoes off before entering a home. It is customary for Kalean families, regardless of ethnicity, to hold a luau to celebrate a child's first birthday. It is also customary at Kelean weddings for the bride and groom to do a money dance (also called the pandanggo).

Ni'ihau tribe

The 2010 census states that there were 170 people living on the island of Ni'ihau. However, witness accounts estimate that the population actually ranges between 35 and 50 people. A majority of the members of the Ni'ihau tribe reside outside of the island to seek better opportunities for themselves or their families, but many maintain a close relationship with their community. Some support themselves largely by subsistence fishing and farming, while others depend on welfare. All residents of Ni'ihau live rent-free, and meat is free. Ni'ihau has no telephone services and no paved roads. Horses are the main form of transportation; bicycles are also used. There are no power lines; solar power provides all electricity. There is no plumbing or running water on the island. Water comes from rainwater catchment. The Ni'ihau tribe established most of these conditions. There is no hotel, and barges deliver groceries from nearby islands, often purchased by the tribe's chief, with free shipping. Much of Ni'ihau culture is rooted in Ni'ihau folk religion.