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PHOENIX - As family and friends try to connect with loved ones on Maui following the devastating wildfires there, communication on the island is still limited, meaning it can be hard to get a message out from the island to elsewhere.
Ryan Udarbe, the president of a Hawaiian canoe club in Tempe, has not heard back from his friends and loved ones on Maui just yet.
"I spent July back in Maui ,and I was actually in Lahaina every day, racing outrigger canoes with the club out there,' said Udarbe.
Udarbe was born and raised in Maui, but has been living in Gilbert for the past 17 years.
"I lived in Kihei," said Udarbe. "My mom used to work in Lahaina, so I was there often. I went to school there for a little bit too."
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Arizonans with family, friends in Maui still worried
As the country continues to deal with the devastating wildfires that ravaged Maui and resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, those in Arizona with friends and loved ones in the area are still worried. They are waiting for their friends and loved ones to contact them, but communication on the island is still limited. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas reports.
Looking at before and after pictures of Lahaina has been difficult for Udarbe.
"I was just sending my friends a picture of a building and said 'hey, we were just here a few weeks ago having lunch, and now, there's nothing there,'" said Udarbe.
Udarbe said he is concerned about his family and friends, whom he hasn't heard from since the deadly fire broke out.
"I know you've probably seen pictures of the cars on front street parked there all burnt. Those are no parking spots," said Udarbe. "They had nowhere to run, so they parked their car and jumped in the water, and the water was on fire too. Just not a good situation."
Udarbe was able to get in contact with immediate family members, who say they weren't caught in the fire.
"Just sad and gut-wrenched, I guess, not knowing what's going on," said Udarbe. "They really don't have any means of communication. No power."
In the meantime, Udarbe said he is choosing to stay positive.
"I have hope because I know people back home always pull together and help each other out, no matter what," said Udarbe.
Hawaii wildfires: How to help those impacted on Maui, Big Island
Officials said relief is needed immediately, and more will be required later as the islands recover from the impacts.