Isaiah’s Story

Isaiah C. Baclaan, or “Isa,” as his mother would call him, is a third-generation Filipino American born and raised in Hawaii. He is both the Son and Grandson of Filipino plantation workers. His Grandfather Bruno Baclaan immigrated to Hawaii as a Sakada and, together with his Son, worked as plantation workers in Aiea in the early 1900s. Isaiah’s late father, Gulielmus Baclaan, served honorably as a Soldier in the US Army in the Philippines during WW2, having been one of the local-born Filipinos who had stepped up in service to our country.

After meeting and marrying Isaiah’s mother, Lorna Baclaan, in the Philippines, the Baclaan Family settled down in Ewa to raise their growing Family. The family home has resided in Ewa Villages for the past 25 years. In faith, the Baclaan Family identifies as Christian and attend fellowship at Waipahu Community Christian Church.

Isaiah is blessed to be married to Teresa Mahealani Baclaan, a fellow Campbell Graduate and Teacher at Kapolei High School. Together, they have a cat lovingly named “Cat” and hope to grow their Family in the community they are proud of. She has supported him through multiple State and Federal Activations through his service in the Military and is his biggest supporter and encouragement!

In his downtime, Isaiah likes to fish with his whipping rod, walks with his Wife carrying their cat in a backpack, barbeque with the Family, and is always trying to complete one of many unfinished Lego Sets!

Humble Origins

Baclaan Family Attending Church Service

Isaiah and Teresa Baclaan Ride the Ewa Train “Sisal” Street is where Isaiah Grew Up!

Isaiah is honored to have received an education that is wholly representative of the West Side and the District. His elementary Alma Mater is the much-loved and Historic Ewa Elementary. He attended Ilima Intermediate. He is a proud Saber of James Campbell High School and a graduate of the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, where he was a part of the first freshman class to attend the new Kapolei Campus.

While pursuing degrees in psychology and health care administration, Isaiah was committed to advocacy and service for people of all walks of life. He served as a Peer Mentor to UHWO's First Year Experience Program, an Intern for the University's Community Engagement Program, and various other Service-Learning events.

After serving honorably as the Social Sciences Senator for the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii- West Oahu (ASUHWO), Isaiah was elected by the student body of UHWO to serve as the President of ASUHWO's 5th Senate of Kapolei. As President of ASUHWO, Isaiah supported initiatives that benefited the student populace, such as new Bus Shelters and supportive Transportation Services. He advocated for the student's voice at the UH Caucus, submitted testimony to the Hawaii State Senate, and provided insight into the Chancellors Committee to choose UHWO's newest Chancellor.

In his final two years of college, Isaiah served two sessions at the Hawaii State Capitol in the Office of Representative Aaron Ling Johanson as a Legislative Aide. He had the pleasure of participating in the first Legislative Internship that UHWO had initiated in partnership with the Hawaii State Legislature. There, he developed a greater love for Public Service and the commitment Legislators have to serving the people of Hawaii.

Education and Political Experience

ASUHWO President Isaiah Baclaan at UHWO Town Hall

2nd Grader Isaiah performing Life of Ewa at Ewa Elementary’s Lincoln Day!


Isaiah's dedication to serving his community extends beyond the legislative halls and into the heart of Hawaii's Defense forces. Inspired by his father's military legacy, Isaiah answered the call to serve by joining the Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), embodying the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice.

Through rigorous training, Isaiah rose through the ranks, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) and subsequently serving as a Captain (CPT) in the HIARNG. Over nearly seven years of service, Isaiah has lived his commitment, volunteering and activating in response to State and National emergencies on multiple occasions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isaiah's leadership shone brightly as he served as a Reserve Company Commander for Task Force Hawaii on the Big Island and later as a Staff Officer for Task Force Oahu, providing crucial relief to communities across the islands. Most recently, Isaiah answered the call to aid Lahaina during the devastating Maui Wildfire Disaster of 2023.

In Lahaina, Isaiah played pivotal roles as the Task Force Maui "OLA HOU" S1 Personnel Officer, S4 Logistics Officer, and ultimately as the Task Force Maui Executive Officer (XO). From Puunene Armory to the Lahaina Emergency Operations Center, Isaiah's unwavering dedication ensured that the National Guard could effectively serve the people of Lahaina and Maui, providing vital support and assistance during their time of need.

Isaiah's service to his community, both in uniform and out, exemplifies his commitment to making a positive impact and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Hawaii.

Military Service and State Support

Isaiah’s Father WW2 Veteran Gulielmus Baclaan

Teresa Baclaan congratulates her Husband on his Promotion to Captain!

Upon his return to Oahu after his service in Lahaina, Isaiah dove headfirst into Hawaii's political landscape. Currently serving as the Committee Clerk to Representative Tyson K. Miyake of Maui, District 10, Isaiah plays a vital role in shaping legislative policy.

With a keen eye for detail and a passion for progress, Isaiah researches and reviews policies related to the House Committees on Judicial & Hawaiian Affairs, Transportation, and Housing.

As a proven leader with a deep-seated commitment to his community, Isaiah is a steadfast advocate for the issues critical to District 42. He aims to serve all the Constituents and will be a steadfast voice for the future!

In the Now!

Isaiah and Teresa on a Hike with Cat! Cat loves going on hikes “with a leash of course!”

Meet the Family

  • Teresa Mahealani Baclaan

    Teresa is a passionate teacher at Kapolei High School, teaching Architecture, Energy, and Engineering. She has been an educator since 2012! Teresa is a mix of ethnicities, including Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese, Okinawan, and European. She loves traveling with her husband Isaiah and making sure that he stays sensibly grounded in all his aspirations! Along with Isaiah, they take care of their Pet “Cat” and hope to grow their family in the near future!

  • Gulielmus Baclaan

    Isaiah’s Father and Role Model. Being one of the first Baclaans born in Hawaii in 1924, Isaiah’s Father was no stranger to hard work or perseverance. A Veteran of WW2 and a survivor of the Great Depression Gulielmus was a man of duty and perseverance. Fathering Isaiah at the age of 70, he gave it his all to be a good role model and parent to his son before passing at the venerable age of 88. Isaiah served as his Father’s primary caregiver from age 14 to 18 and thus grew very close to him as the years passed. He credits his Father as his inspiration for joining the Army.

  • Lorna Baclaan

    Isaiah's Mother. An immigrant to Hawaii from Davao City, Philippines. As the primary earner for the Baclaan Family growing up, Lorna was steadfast in providing a good living for her children. She worked at the Post Office and then changed careers to retiring as an Airway Transportation Systems Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration. Lorna has been an example of hard work and family commitment. She is always checking on her son "Isa" and sending him her prayers. She is married to David Ako, a devout member of the family's church.

  • Irish Bumanglag and Family

    Isaiah's older Sister, Irish, prides herself on her innovation and sense of style. Due to her ties to the Philippines, Irish has a rich understanding of culture and is always keen to involve Isaiah with their family's unique traditions and events. Her Husband, Berge Bumanglag, supports her, and together, they are blessed with Noah Anthony (Son) and Snow Ariella (Daughter). Noah and Snow are a constant delight for Isaiah and Teresa and are the best Nephews and Nieces anyone could ask for!

  • Elijah Baclaan

    Isaiah’s youngest Brother, and the youngest child of Gulielmus and Lorna Baclaan. Elijah strives to support all members of the family. He is passionate about traveling and visiting the families ancestral homes in the Philippines. He is married to Ledie Lou Superales of the Philippines.

Candidate Experience and Qualifications

Education

-Ewa Elementary Graduate

-Ilima Intermediate Graduate

-James Campbell High School Class of 2012 Graduate

-University of Hawaii- West Oahu Bachelors in Social Sciences, Psychology 2017

-University of Hawaii- West Oahu Bachelors in Public Administration, Health Care Administration 2017

-US Army Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning Georgia, Completed

-Army Adjutant General Basic Officer Leadership School, Fort Jackson South Carolina, Completed

Work Experience

-Committee Clerk, Office of Rep. Tyson K Miyake 2024 Legislative Session

-Legislative Aide, Office of Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson, 2017 Legislative Session

-Legislative Aide, Office of Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson, 2016 Legislative Session

-Task Force Maui Executive Officer (Maui Wildfires State Active Duty)

-Task Force Maui S1 Personnel and S4 Logistics Officer (Maui Wildfires State Active Duty)

-Task Force Oahu S1 Personnel Officer (Covid-19 Pandemic) (Operation Long Claw)

-Task Force Hawaii Reserve Company Commander (Covid-19 Pandemic) (Operation Long Claw)

-Administrative and Program Support, State of Hawaii, Executive Office of Aging

Groups and Associations

-Hawaii National Guard Association

-Waipahu Community Christian Church

-Young Democrats of Hawaii

-Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu

-Psi Chi International Honor Society of Psychology

-Baclaan Association in Hawaii