The precision of modern computer aided drawings belies the often rustic nature of actual hale.  The work is about synthesizing historic sketches and the practical knowledge of the today’s hale builders.

MASON’s involvement with the design of indigenous Hawaiian structures began with a contract for the National Park Service that required four different hale types for the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.  As a result extensive research was conducted and direct involvement with hale builder Francis Sinenci.  Subsequent projects have included a hale for Mission House Museum and Archives, one for Honolulu Community College, another hale design for Kaloko-Honokohau, Hale Kilauea at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, another hale for Kalaheo High School, a hale structures for Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama campus, a hale at Kalaeloa and another in Hawaii Kai.