Meet Tara Malia

When I saw Lahaina burning, something shifted deep inside me. It wasn’t just the loss of a town—it felt like the soul of Hawai‘i was crying out. I sat in Texas, thousands of miles away, watching my homeland suffer. And in that moment, I knew: it was time to come home.  

I sold everything, my land, my business, my comfort—and returned to Hawai‘i with nothing but a suitcase, a calling, and a heart full of conviction. I went from owning a 4 bedroom home to renting an Ohana Unit the size of a box.  And I would do it again in a heartbeat.  I didn’t come back for politics. I came back for the people. For the keiki, the kūpuna, the land, the legacy. Hawai‘i is worth fighting for.

Hawai‘i has always been my home, and my heart is deeply connected to our community. My priorities are rooted in the values that matter most to us all: making life more affordable, supporting our local farmers, ensuring everyone has a place to call home, and working together so our islands can thrive.

My background as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, fitness professional, and educator has given me the tools to turn vision into action. I believe in leading by example—showing up, working hard, and serving with integrity. I’ve always stood up for our keiki, our families, and our freedoms, and I’m committed to making sure our voices are heard with compassion and respect.

Advocacy is part of who I am. As a former Division I track athlete and Team Captain at Vanderbilt, I led my teammates in filing a Title IX lawsuit against the university to ensure women received equal funding, uniforms, travel, and training resources. We won — not through protest, but through principle. The administration saw what was righteous and responded accordingly.  I fought for fairness and equality in women’s sports—and we succeeded. That experience taught me that when you stand up for what’s right, with perseverance and hope, you can create lasting change for future generations.

My family’s story is woven into the fabric of these islands. My father, a brave amputee and Navy Vietnam Veteran on the USS New Jersey, inspires me every day. My grandfather, a dedicated surveyor from the Big Island, and my grandmother, who spread aloha as a restaurant server at the Ilikai Hotel for decades, showed me the value of hard work and kindness. My mother, a homemaker and former Executive Secretary for Ameron International, has faced MS with courage and resilience. As a leader, coach, and athlete, my guiding principle is: “Success begins with the foundation we build at home. Everything starts with faith, love, and support of our Ohana.”

I am committed to serving our community and helping Hawai‘i thrive for generations to come.

This past legislative session, I gave in-person testimony at the Capitol, opposing bills like SB799, SB1150, HB1118, and HB1119. I stood for parental rights, medical freedom, and the safety of our keiki. I helped rally against SB401 and HB1 to protect our Second Amendment rights and the constitutional freedoms our community values. I didn’t do this for recognition — I did it because we deserve better.

Before entering public life, I served as a middle school teacher, deeply involved in the development of young minds. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child Development from Vanderbilt University, with additional training in neuroscience and applied psychology. That foundation continues to shape how I lead — with empathy, insight, and a commitment to the next generation.

As a high school athlete in California, I was one of the state’s fastest runners in the 800m and 1600m events. At Vanderbilt University, I excelled in the 800m, 400m, and 1600m races, which instilled in me the discipline, teamwork, and leadership that carried into every part of my life. That same drive led me to become a competitive lifter and bodybuilder, transforming my experience into one of mentorship and resilience.

I’ve also been a full-time entrepreneur for over 20 years, working in wellness, education, and women’s health. I’ve coached cancer survivors, trained kūpuna, and walked with women through some of life’s hardest seasons. My work includes leading the fitness, movement and mindset portion of the TANICA program in partnership with UH and CTAHR, supporting indigenous Hawaiian and Filipino women in cancer remission with holistic practices for physical and emotional restoration. I bring not just professional experience, but lived experience rooted in service.

My leadership is guided by faith, love, and transparency.
I was raised as an elite athlete, trained in martial arts, and spent years as a classically trained dancer — disciplines that shaped my strength, poise, and resilience.
I’ve also spent years in Hollywood as a professional dancer, actor, and director, and worked in marketing for fashion brands. I was part of the marketing team that helped launch Ed Hardy under Christian Audigier, growing the brand to over $100 million. So let’s just say my discernment for spotting shady behavior and political theatrics is on a whole other level. After nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, I saw the truth behind the glamor and chose to focus my life on health, fitness, and nutrition as tools to empower people — from keiki to kūpuna.

I’m also a lifelong creative. I’ve danced hula, played music since I was a young girl, and spent years coaching youth basketball in the community — teaching discipline, teamwork, and heart to our next generation. Whether on stage, on the court, or in the classroom, I’ve always believed leadership is about showing up with consistency, humility, and love.

As a young entrepreneur, I built a successful business through Herbalife, learning firsthand how to lead with integrity, hustle, and heart.
I’ve worked as a marketing executive, run my own companies, and helped others build theirs. Through every chapter, I’ve led by example — with discipline, creativity, and an unshakable belief in the power of people over politics.

I’m also deeply rooted in my spiritual and academic community here on the island. I’m currently pursuing further theological education at Pacific Rim Christian University, a space that continues to ground me in both biblical truth and cultural responsibility. I worship with my church family at New Hope Hawai‘i Kai, where faith and fellowship strengthen my heart for service and remind me daily why this community is worth every sacrifice.

I believe in protecting our farms and food sovereignty.
I believe in holding government accountable and ending wasteful spending.
I believe in education that lifts, not indoctrinates.
I believe in supporting every petition that keeps luxury buildings out, and that ensures our restaurants, roads, homes, land, schools, parks, gas stations, and the marina are the priority.
And most of all, I believe in people over politics — always.