KAHULUI » Maui High School’s marching band and color guard have been invited to appear in the 2015 Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif.

The state Department of Education says it will be the first appearance at the parade of a Hawaii public school since Pearl City in 2006.

The announcement was made Tuesday at the Maui High gym.

Band Director Kerry Wasano says being selected for the nationally televised New Year’s Day event is overwhelming.

He says fundraising for the trip will be a main focus in 2014.

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui is a 1989 Maui High graduate and former band member. He says it will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for students to perform in the prestigious parade.