Yes, HALES is a Scrabble word!

Letter values in Scrabble US: H 4, A 1, L 1, E 1, S 1.

Is it a valid word?

HALES is a valid word in the official Scrabble dictionary (US), the UK Scrabble Dictionary and Words with Friends (ENABLE).

a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
United States astronomer who discovered that sunspots are associated with strong magnetic fields (1868-1938)
prolific United States writer (1822-1909)

to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
draw slowly or heavily

Also: nathan hale, george ellery hale, edward everett hale.