About Tam Plong

Military Service

I answered the call to serve and completed two wartime deployments in the Persian Gulf. 

For four years, I proudly wore the “crossed anchors”, the ensign of a Navy Boatswain’s Mate. Considered the heart of every Navy ship, as a Boatswain’s Mate, I led junior sailors and performed hands-on activities to upkeep the ship's exterior, operating small craft, managing deck operations, and supervising seamanship, from rigging and anchoring to flight deck and underway replenishment.

On the U.S.S. Russell (DDG 59), I worked to meet the needs of the crew. Central skills to my success that are directly transferrable to serve District 39: overcoming challenges by securing resources; clearly communicating both problems and solutions; and collaborating and unifying action of many–to get the job done—day in and day out.  

I came to understand the sacrifices and contributions that servicemembers, as well as their families and communities make. The important role that family and community–play to support servicemembers so they can achieve their mission. 

And how neighbors can support military families, when their servicemember is deployed or away from home for essential training. To provide support as a caring neighbor, whether thats helping with sport drop offs, watching keiki after school, or looking to lend a helping hand.

And that to honor their service–it is essential that our nation honors its commitments to care for and meet the needs of our military members and veterans, as well as their families.

Service to Community

Family, friends, and community motivate me to keep and restore what makes Hawai‘i so unique. When faced with hardships, we look out for our neighbors as if they were family.

Currently, I serve as the Board Member At-Large on the Waipahu Community Board and member of the Citizens Patrol for Waikele. As an active past participant at the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, I’ve advocated for safety issues to address damage to private property and speeding vehicles.

Within my Home Owners Association at Celebration, I’m listening to ensure our neighbors feel connected, understood, and valued.

Waikele is home and I am committed to enhancing the safety and wellbeing of neighborhoods across District 39. In my free time, you'll find me supporting community service projects, including repainting the wall along Lumiʻāina Street. It would be an honor to earn your vote and hear about the issues that are close to your heart. Together, we can create solutions that honor our community, strengthen our future, and keep Oʻahu a safe place where we can live, work, and thrive for generations to come.