Contributor

Jason Armstrong

Jason Armstrong has reported extensively for both of Hawaii Island’s daily newspapers. He was a public information officer/grant writer for the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation from 2012 to 2016 and has lived in Hilo since 1987. Email Jason at jarmstrong@civilbeat.org
Read more
Big Island: Vacation Rental Ban Could Be ‘The Final Death Blow’ For Puna Screenshot taken from VRBO.

Big Island: Vacation Rental Ban Could Be ‘The Final Death Blow’ For Puna

By /

Critics argue these rentals are one of the few economic bright spots in the lava-ravaged district.

Big Island: UH’s New Rules Would Bring Big Changes Atop Mauna Kea Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: UH’s New Rules Would Bring Big Changes Atop Mauna Kea

By /

The university wants to keep private vehicles off the summit and require permits for big gatherings.

Big Island: You Need To Be Tough To Explore These New Volcanic Beaches Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: You Need To Be Tough To Explore These New Volcanic Beaches

By /

Kilauea volcano created a dramatic new landscape including black-sand beaches. But “it’s a rough walk” to get there.

Big Island: Waipio Valley’s Beauty, Danger And Uncertain Future Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: Waipio Valley’s Beauty, Danger And Uncertain Future

By /

A waterfall, a black sand beach and a spectacular descent make this place an all-too-popular destination for tourists.

Big Island: Wood-Burning Power Plant Raises Environmental Concerns Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: Wood-Burning Power Plant Raises Environmental Concerns

By /

A facility that plans to burn 30 truckloads of eucalyptus logs daily requires massive amounts of water for cooling.

Big Island: Am I A Criminal? Puna Councilwoman Questions Her Legitimacy Courtesy of Jen Ruggles

Big Island: Am I A Criminal? Puna Councilwoman Questions Her Legitimacy

By /

Pointing to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Jen Ruggles says functioning as a County Council member may violate U.S. and international laws.

Big Island: Dozens Rescued After 40-Plus Inches Of Rain AP

Big Island: Dozens Rescued After 40-Plus Inches Of Rain

By /

UPDATED: Hawaii County’s windward side has endured three straight days of nearly nonstop downpours.

Big Island: Flooding Forces Rescues, Cuts Off Communities Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: Flooding Forces Rescues, Cuts Off Communities

By /

No reports of wind damage, but the deluge is wreaking havoc on Hawaii County.

Big Island: A Windward Drenching, But No Wind Damage Yet Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: A Windward Drenching, But No Wind Damage Yet

By /

UPDATED: The drenching closes some roads and causes landslides, but strong winds had been reported as of 6:30 p.m.

Disaster-Weary Big Island Braces For Lane’s First Effects Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Disaster-Weary Big Island Braces For Lane’s First Effects

By /

South- and west-facing coastal areas are considered at greatest risk in Hawaii County.

Big Island: Newly Elected Council Members Face A County In Turmoil Jason Armstrong/Civil Beat

Big Island: Newly Elected Council Members Face A County In Turmoil

By /

Most of the leadership lineup is set after the primary, and big challenges lie ahead in dealing with the volcanic eruption.

Big Island: Hawaii’s Queen Bees Help Feed The World Courtesy of Karen Olivarez/Karrus Queens

Big Island: Hawaii’s Queen Bees Help Feed The World

By /

Kona produces more than famous coffee. Its Captain Cook region is the perfect spot for raising highly sought queen bees.