Civil Beat Staff
Nick Grube
Nick Grube is the Washington, D.C. correspondent for Honolulu Civil Beat. Prior to that he was an investigative reporter focusing on criminal justice and legal affairs, a position that led him to one of the largest public corruption scandals in Hawaiʻi history. The case, which is still ongoing, resulted in the federal indictment of a former police chief, his prosecutor wife and several police officers.
Nick’s coverage of police misconduct has resulted in several changes to Hawaiʻi law, including the creation of a new oversight agency to make sure officers meet minimum training standards and requirements. His series on problem officers in the Honolulu Police Department helped spur the creation of the Civil Beat Law Center for the Public Interest, a nonprofit law firm that helps citizens and journalists get access to public records. The law center has represented Civil Beat in several cases some of which have been argued before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court.
In 2015, Nick and a colleague undertook a investigative project that uncovered major shortcomings in financial oversight of Honolulu’s multi-billion dollar rail project that was both behind schedule and over-budget. As a result, the Honolulu City Council changed city law to require the agency overseeing the project to provide more detailed financial information to the public about the subcontractors working on the project.
Nick’s career in journalism began at the University of Wisconsin—Madison and took him to California, Oregon, Hawaiʻi and Washington, D.C. He’s covered everything from prison gangs to politics. His work has been recognized by several organizations, including the California Newspaper Publishers Association, Society of Professional Journalists and Online News Association. He was selected in 2018 by the National Press Foundation for the Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship, a nine month program for promising young journalists based in the nation’s capital.
News tips are welcome and appreciated. Send them directly to nick@civilbeat.org or anonymously using this Tipbox link, which uses automatic encryption. (NOTE: If you send a tip through Tipbox Nick cannot respond unless there’s contact information in the body of the message.)
Native Hawaiian Contractor Chris Dawson Has Died While Under Investigation
Christopher Dawson, the founder of the Dawson family of companies, died by suicide as he faced potential criminal charges for alleged financial crimes.
Senators Urged To Examine Gabbard’s ‘Deep and Intense’ Ties To Hawaiʻi Sect
Tulsi Gabbard’s long involvement with the Science of Identity Foundation raises questions about the judgment and autonomy needed to advise the president on national security.
FEMA’s Plan For Maui Wildfire Survivors Lacked Safeguards For Residents
FEMA officials said they didn’t want their housing program for survivors of Maui’s 2023 wildfires to displace any residents. But they didn’t bar the agency’s contractors from leasing properties previously occupied by long-term tenants.
Gabbard’s Past Could Complicate US Senate Confirmation
Trump’s nomination of the former Hawaii congresswoman to be national intelligence director is likely to renew questions about her beliefs and background.
Maui Property Owners Are Pushing Tenants Out to House Wildfire Survivors for More Money
High prices offered by emergency housing programs have encouraged property owners to chase the money. Housing advocates say state officials haven’t moved aggressively enough to crack down on predatory behavior.
Struggling to Keep or Find Housing After Maui’s Wildfires? Tell Us Your Story.
We need to hear from anyone who has been touched by what many say is a secondary housing crisis after the fires. Have you faced eviction or a rent increase? Are you a landlord or property manager? Tell us how you’ve been affected.
Bissen Campaign Worker Awarded $150,000 Contract For Maui County Recruitment
The contractor is also the daughter of one of Bissen’s top aides.
State Hospital Workers Who Witnessed A Nurse’s Murder Have Been Denied Workers Comp
A doctor treating four employees said the decision is “unconscionable” and will delay their ability to address the trauma they experienced.
Hawaii State Hospital Workers Were Assaulted More Than 1,700 Times Over The Past 11 Years
Hawaii officials have struggled to address the problem despite building a $160 million forensic hospital designed to improve safety.