I am a recruiter and I have a "great" construction executive job seeker for a position. However, I can’t get this person to tell me what his salary expectations are based on his history.

Sounds like this person is having a hard time with trusting you.
First, restate that salary is needed to determine his eligibility for the position. Give him an idea of what you construction employer pays employees in the same position. Reiterate that salary is strictly confidential but required in order for both of you to prescreen each other.
You may also explain that salary is based on experience and knowledge and not on his prior history. He could be withholding due to insignificant pay as to what he feels that he is worth or he may not want to shot himself out of the ballpark.