Born in Honolulu, Tam attended California State University and Kapiʻolani Community College.

Tam began his career as a budget and research analyst, and was also involved with the life insurance business.

[3] In 2016, Tam made a return to politics as a Republican,[1] running for the office of the Hawaii Senate representing District 13.

[3] He lost the election to Democrat Karl Rhoads, receiving a total of 3,824 (25.1%) votes.

[4] In November 2011, Tam pleaded guilty to stealing money from the city and violating campaign spending laws, and sentenced to two days in jail and 338 hours of community service.