The Comfort Station is completely powered by photovoltaic solar energy.

Kipahulu Comfort Station

Mason Architects designed a new restroom for the park facilities at Kipahulu in Haleakala National Park on Maui.

• Weather conditions at the site -- frequent rainfall, intense sunshine, and marine salt air -- influenced the design of the building.
• Photovoltaic solar energy powers the electrical systems.
• Waterless urinals and a new wastewater treatment and disposal system known as a constructed wetlands conserve resources and protect the environment.
• The gravel-surfaced parking lot, muddy during the rainy season and visible from the road, has been replaced by a larger concrete lot in a less obvious location.
• A new 10-foot-wide access and loop road, 20 hardened tent-pad sites, and handicapped-accessible trails through the newly landscaped campground prevent campers from overrunning the surrounding area in search of campsites.