Rescuers will decide today if they will continue searching a fourth time for the well-known Häna couple who were swept away during heavy rains Thanksgiving night.

Carl and Rae Lindquist, both 75, have not been found despite three searches by land and air by firefighters and police since hikers found their 2004 Ford SUV on its side in a streambed near their home on Ulaino Road.

Their disappearance has left the close-knit community of Häna in shock yesterday as friends and neighbors grappled with the possibility that the Lindquists may not have survived crossing a river bed.

"It's all very fresh for us," said Suzie Jackson, an employee at Nahiku Ti Gallery who lives near the river. "I know that stream and that river. It's one of our wider, shallower streams. It's very tricky."

Mayor Charmaine Tavares said she hoped the Lindquists will be found.

"This is really sad news, and I hope for the best as our police and community continue the search for Carl and Rae," Tavares said. "Both were very dear to the folks in Häna and special to many around our county."

The Lindquists were on their way home from the Hotel Häna Maui about 9:30 p.m. Thanksgiving night. Their vehicle was found by a hiker on Saturday. The SUV was about 100 yards from the ocean in an area that is known to flood during periods of heavy rain.

In 1992, a flash flood swept away a nursery manager on a Thanksgiving night.

"The river's volume of water from heavy rainfall and the water's swiftness are factors being considered in the disappearance of the couple who live in the Ulaino area," said Mahina Martin, Maui County spokeswoman.

Neil Hasegawa, owner of Hasegawa's General Store, said it is surprising that a couple like the Lindquists, who have lived in that part of Häna for nearly 20 years and know the area well, could get caught.

"They, of all people," Hasegawa said. "They know the river like the back of their hands. Everyone is in shock and can't believe it has happened."

Firefighters searched the river bed Saturday and yesterday morning conducted two searches by air off the coast amid rainy weather. The second search about 3 p.m. was about one-half mile from shore and did not reveal any trace of the Lindquists, according to Maui County officials.

The U.S. Coast Guard did not participate in the search.

On Saturday, the search focused on the two-mile stretch of shoreline and about a quarter mile off shore.

Nothing showed up in the offshore search, said Maui County Fire Battalion Chief Frank Tam.

"We searched from the river to the shoreline and swept the river well," Tam said. "Our primary search area is offshore by air for any signs of the victims."

Hasegawa believes something must have happened like a flash flood. Around the time of the accident, the area was under a flash flood advisory.

"Something must have happened," Hasegawa said. "Carl would have known what to expect and what to do."

Dawn Lono, a Lindquist family spokeswoman, said that until police notify the family otherwise, the Lindquist's daughter and son are "sitting tight."

"We're all trying to keep as much hope as we can," Lono said. "It's getting less and less hopeful, but we're not giving up hope."

The Lindquists are well-known for their willingness to always volunteer and help in the community.

Carl Lindquist, also known as "Link," is the founding partner of Hana Coast Gallery and was formerly the vice president and general manager of the Hotel Hana Maui and was president of Trade Publishing on O'ahu with Carl Hebenstreit, also known as Kini Popo.

The Lindquists also have owned Hana Coast Properties for the past 30 years. The gallery has been written up by many travel and art magazines and is known for its Hawaiian art.

"They are such a staple in our community," Jackson said. "They've been a big part of our community. They were great people. Here everyone knows everyone."