Alana Kalama
Alana Kalama | |
|---|---|
 Alana Kalama | |
| Co-President of Kalea | |
| In office September 1st, 2010 – September 1st, 2018 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 December 1962 Kai, Ho'olua, Kalea |
| Citizenship | Kalean |
| Nationality | Kalean |
| Political party | Democratic Confederalist Party |
| Height | 154.9 cm (5 ft 1 in) |
Alana Kalama was a Kalean activist, philanthropist, and politician. She was born in Kai, Ho'olua, Kalea on 17 December 1962. She has served in various political positions from 1990-2022, including the Kalean Legislative Assembly and elected as the first female Co-President of Kalea.
Early life and education
Alana Kalama was born on 17 December 1962, in the city of Kai, located in the small Kalean island of Nihoa, which is part of the privince of Ho'olua. She was the youngest of three children and grew up in a household that placed a high value on education and public service. Her father was a schoolteacher, while her mother was a nurse. Kalama attended local schools in Kai and later studied at the University of Aolani, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science.
Early work and political involvement
After completing her education, Kalama returned to Kai and worked for the local municipal government as a civil servant. She quickly gained a reputation for being capable and hardworking.
Political career
Kalama's political involvement eventually led her to run for office herself. In 1990, she was elected to a position on the municipal council in Kai. She joined the People's Party, a left-leaning political party that advocated for greater government intervention in the economy and the protection of workers' rights. In 1996, she won a seat in the Ho'olua Provincial Legislature, where she served for four years. During her time in the legislature, Kalama worked on a number of issues related to economic development and social welfare. She also gained a reputation for being a skilled negotiator and consensus-builder.
Legislative career
In 2002, Kalama ran for a seat in the Kalean Legislative Assembly and won. Over the next decade, she rose through the ranks of the People's Party and became one of its most prominent leaders until its dissolution in 2008, where she and many other representatives formed the Democratic Confederalist Party.
Presidency
In 2010, she was elected Co-President alongside Pika Akamai, becoming the first woman to hold that office.
Domestic affairs
Domestically, she worked to promote economic growth and reduce income inequality. She also launched a number of initiatives to improve access to healthcare and education for all citizens of Kalea Confederation.
Foreign affairs
On the foreign policy front, Kalama was a strong advocate for maintaining Kalean neutrality. However, in 2016 she was one of many in Kalea that made it possible for the intervention in Taupo.
Political positions
Since her youth, Kalama was a progressive on most issues. She supported government intervention in the economy and the protection of workers' rights. She was also a strong advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Personal life
Kalama is married and has two children.