The Kingdom of Lahui

[Lahui]

 

Interview with Dr. Ha'upu Kalane, Professor of Lahui History, Univeristy of Honolulu

 

The past thirty years have been a dynamic time for the Kindom of Lahui, so to gain a better insight into how Lahui has evolved, we have asked Dr. Kalane, the Head Professor of History at the University of Honolulu to assist with an ongoing series of insights into the people's history.

 

Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HSB): Aloha, Professor, and thank you for taking time to provide background an insights into our recent history.

 

Dr. Ha'upu Kalane: Oh, my pleasure! Well, there is so much to cover, but lets start with a brief overview of Lahui's history, specifically the last thirty years or so (I've scribbled a brief outline below, and even added some clever titles to help a bit… hehe!)

 

1980 - 1990: The Ho'oilo (The Wet Season, or Season of Growth)

The Growing Season (focus on national investment and infrastructure improvement)

The Time of Green Koa (rapid expansion of the Island to its surrounding island communities)

The Ha'ule (the fall - simmering social unrest and economic issues)

 

1995 - 2000: The Hinlaia'ele'ele of Kauwela (Season of Storms)

The Death of King Kamehameha VIII, and the attempted Coup of the Kingdom

The Monkey Flu Epidemic

The Second Coup and return of the Monkey Flu

(and the return of the upsurper Royal Advisor Aka Kilikopela)

The Moonless Night (the advance of the upsurper on the Royal Forces)

The Shining Dawn (the turning point of the conflict)

The Return of the Sun to the Islands (end of the civil conflict)

 

2000 - Today: The Ho'oma'ema'e (The Rebuilding)

Waiho (The reconciliation after the war)

The Laulima (The "cooperation" - a focus on rebuilding the main island and outlying islands)

 

Just a small overview of our history, but in the upcoming entries, I'll add a bit more detail to them - until later.. .

 

(OOC Note: Had some issues trying to establish the news room, so I posted here for now...!)

[Lahui]

Political Parties in the Kingdom of Lahui

 

The division of political power is a three section triumpharate, with legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The executive branch and legislative branches are chosen by citizens with completion and grant of a successful Franchise service to the government. However, more revealing is the political spectrum of politics in the Kingdom, and the parties which represent the divisions. There are four major parties in the Ascension (congress), which send representatives to the lower and upper houses of the congress. The lower house ministers serve a three year term, and the upper house ministers serve a six year term. The Prime Minister is selected for a five year term, but may be recalled on a supra-majority no-confidence vote.

 

The political parties of the Kingdom of Lahui are:

 

The Traditionalist Party (Gold Party)

Also known as the "establishment party" the Traditionalists are considered to be the "old guard" conservative party, representing the status quo, including larger established business interests, older conservative religious groups, and often the middle class. They have held a majority in both houses, and the chosen Prime Minister has been a Traditionalist for the past twenty years. Though they had a spate of transgressions in the early '00s, Minister Ka'a Polani emerged from a bitter party battle, and has enforced party discipline since the Lahaina elections of '04. The party is a bit predictable, but often works closely with the King to advance projects for the greater good of Lahui.

 

 

The Progressives Party (Blue Party)

Considered the "younger party", the progressives tend to represent the impoverished residents, as well as small, entrepreneurial business entities who feel their interests are not represented by the Traditionalists or are being unduly ignored. They are often the "loyal opposition", but tend to vote against the Traditionalists, except in matters of civil defense.

They have at times either been thoughtful or obstructionist, depending on the leader of the Blue party. Currently, Mr. Ahani Ka'a'pa, an elderly Minister with a noted dislike of the Traditionalists and a famed obstructionist, is in poor health, and machinations to replace him at the Progressive party have begun.

 

 

The Naturalist Party (Green Party)

Focused on the preservation of lands of Lahui, the Naturalist party is actually one of the wealthiest parties in the Kingdom, with plenty of money to support their priorities. Though they often align with the Traditionalists, they are adept at political maneuvering to preserve natural areas they choose from economic development, by aligning and finagling their alliances in the congress to block passage of laws and proposals they are not in their interest.

 

 

The Socialist Party (Red Party)

Rumored to be financed by outside sources, the Reds have not been successful in mounting any political challenges (or promoting their party's platform). They are most known for far-left rhetoric, zany politicians, and dogmatic predictions of the fall of capitalism and rise of socialism. Not a very powerful group, but they have occasionally leveraged their minority power to advance their agenda.

 

The Isolationist Party (Yellow Party)

After decades of foreign interaction, a core of conservative followers with what are consider extreme views, usually involving foreign conspiracies, plots, and ideas, have formed the core of the Isolationist part. They seek to keep the Kingdom to the single "big island", and return to the "ways of the olden days"… before technology, and involvement with foreigners. In realty, they are more of a side-show, where bizarre characters of the "right wing" tend to associate. Fun to watch, but not a serious political party.