The “Island Model” and the New California State Map: Strategic and Constitutional Foundations
Republished article by Malcolm McGough at New California State
Introduction
Hawaii’s state structure provides a clear example of how geographically separated jurisdictions can operate coherently under a single state government. The Hawaiian archipelago consists of multiple islands, each functioning as an independent county: Honolulu (Oʻahu), Maui County, Hawaiʻi County (Big Island), and Kauaʻi County. These islands are separated by significant ocean distances, yet they maintain administrative unity and legal coherence.
The New California State proposal applies a similar logic to the geography of California. Urban coastal regions—notably Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento —are treated as ‘California State islands,’ surrounded by the proposed territory of New California. These metropolitan areas remain part of the existing state, while the inland and northern regions form the new state entity.
3. Strategic Advantages of the Island Model
Using clear geographic separators like mountains and deserts, rather than arbitrary political lines, reduces the risk of legal challenges to boundary definitions. This mirrors Hawaii’s reliance on natural features such as ocean channels.
The United States has multiple examples of non-contiguous political entities functioning within one state. Examples include Hawaii, the District of Columbia, independent cities in Virginia, and Alaska’s borough system. These precedents strengthen the constitutional argument for the New California island structure.
By isolating densely populated liberal metropolitan areas within the old state, New California can form a politically cohesive conservative majority across its vast inland regions. This mirrors the strategic geography behind the creation of West Virginia in 1863, where rural unionist counties separated from the Confederate state government of Virginia.
Framing the New California proposal in terms of Hawaii’s island structure makes the concept accessible and intuitive. It allows proponents to counter objections that claim embedded urban ‘islands’ are unprecedented or unworkable. By pointing to Hawaii, advocates can show that the U.S. already successfully administers non-contiguous political units.
Conclusion
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Business and Political Consulting