Battered lava-rock columns and walls support green high-pitched hipped roofs of standing seam metal to imbue these two simple structures with a Hawaiian charm, demonstrating that utilitarian functions may be made beautiful. Credit is due the architect for convincing Sandwich Isles Communications to construct a substation which blended with the character and environment of these remote realms behind Haleakala Mountain. Placed on a site selected by community representatives, the substation is designed to provide the Hawaiian Homestead community of Kahikinui with telephone communication. As no electricity has been pulled to this area, the switching equipment is solar powered. The structure supports the photovoltaic panels and serves the ancillary purpose of a community meeting pavilion.
Maurice Kondo, born and raised on the island of Hawaii, received his degree in architecture from Kent State University. He worked in the offices of Frank Slavsky and Norman Lacayo, before founding INK with Dennis Irie and Dennis Nakamoto in 1986. In 2002, he became the sole principal of INK after his partners retired. Other works include the Queen Victoria Residences (1992; 1080 S. Beretania Street) and Central Oahu Aquatic and Tennis Center (2005), both in Honolulu.