Uncle Francis Palani Sinenci*

Uncle Francis, also known as Kumu Palani, is a native of Hāna, Maui.  Uncle Francis has dedicated his second career to reviving kūkulu hale (traditional Hawaiian architecture) and uhau humu pōhaku (masonry). Hale, traditional thatched structures, come in various forms, each designed to harmonize with Hawaii's unique landscapes. For over 25 years, Uncle Francis, a Master Indigenous Architect, has trained a new generation of practitioners, built numerous hale, and restored sacred sites across Hawai‘i. His contributions include the establishment of the Indigenous Architecture Building Code, a hale builder certification program, and the founding of Hālau Hale Kuhikuhi, a traditional school. Uncle Francis remains active in training future generations and leading projects throughout Hawai‘i.