About
About Better Hawaii:
Since 2010, “Better Hawaii” is not only about a better Hawaii, it’s a challenge to better Hawaii.
It started with GoodReads.com, because they sent me the book “Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone” (2009) by Mitch Joel. I felt a little overwhelmed, but one line jumped out at me: “Start your own blog – now” (page 262). But it began even earlier than that, with a challenge to step out of your comfort zone by teenagers Alex and Brett Harris in their book, “Do Hard Things.”
Like me, you probably don’t like being told what to do. But the words stuck with me. That night I couldn’t sleep. I was thinking about the things I want to say.
It made me realize that I want to be heard. I don’t want to regret being silent when everything around me can be better. I promise not to make complaints without also offering solutions.
Our leaders don’t have all the answers – we do! Please join me in coming up with ideas and innovations to make Hawaii exceptional.
About Rachelle Chang:
Born and raised in Hawaii, I graduated from Kamehameha High School (Honolulu, HI) and from Pomona College (Claremont, CA) with a bachelor’s degree in English. I thought I might become a librarian or work in a bookstore, but I ended up in marketing – first for a start-up software company, which eventually became NewSoft America (Fremont, CA); and then for an online ad-serving company, AdForce (Cupertino, CA).
Living in Hawaii again, I am a partner in a radio-controlled electronics company. I am a mother, a reader, and an optimist. I’m not a member of any political party, I don’t copy talking points from any organization, and I’m reluctant to step forward. But I will. I promise not to make complaints without also offering solutions – or at least different perspectives.
March 18, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Aloha Rachelle,
I like your blog and I especially appreciate your focus on Hawaii State issues. Send me an email. Lets talk.
Sincerely,
Andrew Walden
Editor, http://www.HawaiiFreePress.com
editor@hawaiifreepress.com
cell 640-4782
March 19, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Thank you, Andrew! Please let me know if you have any suggestions to improve this blog.
April 20, 2013 at 5:25 am
This is a great blog Rachelle. We we posting your Earth Day blog on our Facebook page and Twitter.
http://www.facebook.com/grylt
April 20, 2013 at 8:20 am
Thank you, Allison! I’m happy you think it’s helpful. aloha, Rachelle PS I’m excited about your Kahala Mall location!
May 26, 2014 at 9:29 am
Hello Rachel,
Just connected with you through Hawaii Free Press.
Love your ideas and spreading the Aloha!
If you’re interested, would love to hear you on our radio station sometime soon. Please give me a call.
Lorene Godfrey
Station Manager @ KNDI Radio 1270AM
email: servicedesk.kndi@gmail.com
ofc: 9462844
May 27, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Hi Lorene, Thank you so much for reading and being interested in Better Hawaii! I’ll respond to you by email. aloha, Rachelle
October 15, 2014 at 5:31 am
Hi!
I’m working with well-known history writer James Haley on his new book Captive Paradise: A History of Hawaii, and we thought it could be perfect from your blog!
Haley writes a narrative history of the state of Hawaii, from the arrival of sugar and pineapple magnates in the 19th century, to the present day.
It’s a fascinating read and we’d love to get you an early copy. I hope you’ll be open to helping us spread the word?
Best,
Alastair
October 15, 2014 at 8:12 am
Hi Alastair, Thank you so much for reading Better Hawaii and offering an early copy of your book for review! I’ll respond to you by email. aloha, Rachelle
December 10, 2014 at 6:22 am
Rachelle – Congrats on the five year anniversary of your blog, that is a lot of time devoted to researching and writing your insightful posts. After only six months, I find it very hard to stick to a regular schedule, so I’m in awe of your weekly discipline. Cheers to a bright new year and many more years of blogging!
December 10, 2014 at 8:07 am
Thank you, Jennie. When I started, I didn’t know I had so much to say 🙂 Happy new year and best wishes with Aloha for Seniors! aloha, Rachelle
April 27, 2018 at 11:54 am
Rachelle,
I was going to email you privately, but I didn’t see an email address so I am writing to you here. If you’re interested in the Nov. 6, 2018 state constitutional convention referendum, you might find The Hawaiʻi State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse (hawaiiconcon.info) a useful resource.
J.H. Snider, Editor
The Hawaiʻi State Constitutional Convention Clearinghouse
April 27, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Aloha JH, thank you for the link to the Clearinghouse. It looks like a good resource and I just subscribed. mahalo and take care, Rachelle
August 15, 2018 at 7:49 am
Hi! I’m interested in talking with you! Could you please contact me?
August 16, 2018 at 5:59 am
Aloha Anu, thank you for contacting me and for checking out Better Hawaii. I’ll send you an email. mahalo, Rachelle