In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King examines the devastating aftermath of the Lahaina Fire through the lens of governance and emergency management. Drawing from the investigative article "The Most Expensive Report Ever Written," the episode explores how institutional decisions shaped the failure of response systems in Maui.

King analyzes official reports from the Maui Emergency Management Agency, arguing that treating emergency preparedness as a side function has deadly consequences. This episode makes the case for why emergency management must be re-centered as a core function of government.

Listen to uncover the moral and practical stakes of crisis response—and why change is urgently needed.

Show Highlights

[00:51] What happened in Lahaina—and why it matters
[01:25] How governance shapes emergency response
[03:01] When systems fail: the true cost of neglect
[03:52] Making emergency management a priority