You may root for the gridiron University of Hawai'i Warriors, but one of the state's biggest political footballs may well be the battle to fund the UH-West O'ahu campus in Kapolei.

This year, when Gov. Linda Lingle teed up a measure to give the project $33.5 million in bond money, state lawmakers could have easily kicked it through the uprights. Instead, the Legislature punted and left the money out of the budget.

Now, with the university's release of its new budget proposal, we're set for another try for the money. This time, when the Legislature convenes next year, funding for the new campus must be approved.

The university's new budget is topped by a $49 million request for a new building at the fire-ravaged University Laboratory School, and $43 million for the Learning and Resource Center at Windward Community College. The real priority should be getting $35 million for the West-O'ahu campus.

Critics of the original plan cited concerns over lack of housing. The university has added more than 4,000 residential units. In July, Gene Awakuni, UH-West O'ahu chancellor, warned there was just $4 million left in planning money that was appropriated in 2003. To meet its construction schedule, he said, funding would have to come by the next legislative session. The first planned phase has already been delayed to 2009.

Let's not extend that any further. In addition to the need for more higher education in the area, the campus plays an integral role in overall development of the Leeward area.