Soon after it was reported the University of Hawai'i had begun an investigation of allegations against its women's basketball coach, a former player wrote, with apparent sarcasm, that she did not figure it to have much of a priority since, "it is only women's basketball."

More than a month has passed since UH began its review of allegations that Jim Bolla kicked a player in practice earlier this season. With all that hangs on it, you would like to think the case has, indeed, been given a high priority by the Office of Human Resources and the administration. The hope is that utmost thoroughness would be the only holdup to a swift conclusion.

But nobody seems willing to say when the windup might come. Asked if resolution of the status of Bolla, who was announced to be on paid leave since Feb. 13, was expected this upcoming week, Manoa campus spokesman Gregg Takayama said Friday, "I don't want to foreclose the possibility, but I have not been given any reason to think there might be (a decision)."

Clearly, a timely conclusion to a case that would be in everyone's interests, especially those of a basketball program that has an ominous cloud hanging over it.

The Rainbow Wahine program sustained the most losses (23) in its history this season, played before its smallest crowds in the Stan Sheriff Center era and, when the final accounting is in, might also end up $1 million in the red.

Yet that might not be the end of it if the head coaching situation remains unresolved much longer. Today is the midpoint in the NCAA-designated period to contact recruits and a month from today is national letter of intent day, the first day recruits can sign binding commitments.

The Rainbow Wahine lose three seniors and, given the tumult of the season, you wonder how many others might choose to go if the program remains in limbo much longer. Keeping the current players and adding quality recruits is of pressing importance if the program is to move upward.

UH has three assistant coaches on the payroll through June who can recruit in the absence of Bolla, who has two years remaining on a contract believed to pay in excess of $120,000 per year. But, really, how many quality recruits are going to pledge four years — or more — of their lives to a program when they don't know who the head coach might be or what style will be played on offense and defense?

The men went through that two years ago when then-athletic director Herman Frazier lollygagged on choosing Riley Wallace's successor. Back-to-back losing seasons for the first time in 20 years suggest the 'Bows are still feeling the impact.

So as soon as OHR finishes its report, you hope the administration, whether it be the call of athletic director Jim Donovan or Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, will be prepared to act expeditiously. Remember, it took 10 days to hire Greg McMackin, who was already on campus, as UH's football coach after June Jones resigned, and that might have been a speed record in Manoa.

If the allegations against Bolla are upheld, UH should immediately move for his dismissal for cause under terms of the contract and not entertain the kind of buyout that sent former athletic director Herman Frazier away with a six-figure parachute.

If the charges are found to be without merit, UH should negotiate Bolla's departure without cause, admitting a time for change has come. At this stage, both parties would probably welcome it.

The women's basketball program might never rival much-decorated Rainbow Wahine volleyball, but that doesn't mean it need be relegated to a second-class existence, either.

Between 1991-'92 and 2001-'02, Rainbow Wahine basketball had nine 20-win seasons. It had regular postseason appearances, stars on the court and fans in the stands.

In the right hands and with the appropriate commitment, women's basketball can shine again at UH. The only issue is when.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.