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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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, Hawaii 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.)

Schatz, Hirono Back Debt Ceiling Deal To Avoid US Default Nick Grube/Civil Beat/2022

Schatz, Hirono Back Debt Ceiling Deal To Avoid US Default

Both of Hawaii’s senators expressed concern about the bill, which seeks to impose spending caps for two years and increase work requirements for certain social programs.

Case, Tokuda Vote To Pass GOP-Led Debt Ceiling Deal Despite Concerns AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana/2023

Case, Tokuda Vote To Pass GOP-Led Debt Ceiling Deal Despite Concerns

The Hawaii lawmakers said they felt they had no other choice given the nation is on the brink of default.

US Sen. Brian Schatz’s Subtle Push For More Psychedelic Research Getty Images/iStockphoto

US Sen. Brian Schatz’s Subtle Push For More Psychedelic Research

The Hawaii senator has spent the past few years pressing agencies to bolster support of studies that look at the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics.

Case Backs GOP Bill To Deport Immigrants Accused Of Assaulting Police Officers Screenshot: Facebook Live/2022

Case Backs GOP Bill To Deport Immigrants Accused Of Assaulting Police Officers

The White House and top Democrats oppose the legislation, which some argue could result in the deportation of legal residents even without a conviction.

Kailua Bay Pollution Is Prompting Congressional Attention Christina Jedra/Civil Beat 2022

Kailua Bay Pollution Is Prompting Congressional Attention

Hawaii delegation wants to get money to upgrade a failing wastewater treatment plant.

Former Hawaii Executives Plead Guilty To Sending Illegal Donations To US Sen. Susan Collins Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2020

Former Hawaii Executives Plead Guilty To Sending Illegal Donations To US Sen. Susan Collins

The Republican senator from Maine was the beneficiary of more than $200,000 in illegal campaign donations made by a Hawaii defense contractor.

A New Bill In DC To Take On Cockfighting Still Can’t Get Backing From Hawaii Lawmakers AP Photo/Carlos Giusti/2019

A New Bill In DC To Take On Cockfighting Still Can’t Get Backing From Hawaii Lawmakers

Bipartisan legislation introduced in the House and Senate aims to give law enforcement more tools to take on illegal animal fighting.

Two Hawaii Lawmakers View The Debt Ceiling Differently Nick Grube/Civil Beat/2022

Two Hawaii Lawmakers View The Debt Ceiling Differently

Sen. Brian Schatz wants the debt ceiling raised without concessions. Rep. Ed Case says now is the time to take action on the fiscal health of the nation.

Schatz Leads Effort To Ban Kids Under 13 From Using Social Media Nick Grube/Civil Beat/2023

Schatz Leads Effort To Ban Kids Under 13 From Using Social Media

The Hawaii senator introduced bipartisan legislation to regulate who can use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Twitter as part of an effort to bolster online child safety.