What is the deal with the West O'ahu campus, anyway? The idea of expanding the University of Hawai'i to the island's "second city" has been around for decades.

Lawmakers let the state down in the 2006 session, failing to set aside in the budget the $33.5 million in bond money that the governor had proposed for UH-West O'ahu. Apparently, the university money went to other "squeaky wheels," and nothing was left for West O'ahu.

If the planning and construction are to proceed on schedule — opening day is still penciled in for 2009 — putting the cash in the pipeline has to be a top priority when the state Capitol reopens in January.

Political considerations do shape the state budget, but it would be appalling to let a key element in second-city development become a casualty.