From left, Michael Nakano, Sharyl Seino, Macario Pascual and Leslie Hiraga welcome Pascual’s original paintings into the Samuel M. Kamakau Library at Lahainaluna High School.

LAHAINA — Macario Pascual, noted Lahaina artist and 1974 Lahainaluna High School graduate, took on a key task during the school’s 175-year celebration in 2006.

He painted the original oil paintings for the commemorative poster and giclee for the event.

At that time, Pascual was a frequent visitor to his home school. He studied the royal palms lining the entrance, as well as the “L” on Pu‘u Pa‘u Pa‘u, known to many graduates as “Mount Ball.”

“I always felt the originals needed to come home to Lahainaluna,” said Pascual. “It is where they belong. I had offers to buy them, but couldn’t let them go. The paintings were not for sale.”

A patron of Pascual’s work, who prefers to remain anonymous, offered to purchase the paintings and donate them to the Lahainaluna High School Foundation for permanent display at the Samuel M. Kamakau Library on campus.

Pascual accepted the offer, and the paintings were recently presented to the foundation and Lahainaluna High School.

Valued at over $10,000 collectively, the paintings will be on permanent display at the library for all to enjoy.

On hand for the presentation were LHS Principal Mike Nakano, school Librarian Sharyl Seino, Pascual and Leslie Hiraga, executive director of the foundation and a Lahainaluna schoolmate of Pascual.

Hiraga, who served on Lahainaluna’s 175th Anniversary Committee, was well-acquainted with the prints.

“This is where these beautiful works of art belong, and we are grateful to the generosity of our anonymous donor for making this possible,” Hiraga said.

For information regarding the Lahainaluna High School Foundation and its programs and projects, call 661-5332 or visit www.Lahainalunahighschoolfoundation.com.