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WAILUKU - Sixteen-year-old Rhea Agdeppa said her family shares one cellular phone, and there's no money for new clothes or cable television.

They don't take long showers and always make sure they turn off the lights in their Central Maui home when they leave a room.

Rhea said her mother is having a hard time making ends meet after her hours as a housekeeper were cut at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Wailea.

"She's still a full-time worker, (but) her hours are like a part-time job right now," Rhea said.

Her mother used to work more than 40 hours a week, now her time at work has shrunk to only 30 hours or less. With tourism numbers and hotel occupancies showing double-digit declines, many employees have lost working hours, if they have jobs at all.

The family's financial problem is magnified as Rhea's mother went through a divorce recently and takes care of her four daughters. The youngest is 7 years old.

Rhea, the oldest child, is taking on responsibilities beyond her years, caring for her younger sisters and looking for a part-time job to help her mother.

"Her paycheck isn't much for us to get food and clothes and stuff," she said. "I wanted to get a job so I can help her out in buying what we need. My sister guys need new clothes."

Rhea has applied at the American Eagle Outfitters clothing store and at food outlets, including Jamba Juice and McDonald's. But she hasn't found a job yet.

"I'm going to look for some more," she said.

The family also relies on food stamps to put meals on the table.

The family rents a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house. Much of the family's money goes to pay rent.

When her mother is at work, Rhea takes on the role of babysitter.

Since the family has only one car, which mom needs to drive to work, the girls walk to a nearby park to play.

"Before my parents used to give us $20 each to go and watch movies. Now it's like sorry, girls. Maybe next time," she said.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.