In asking the state Legislature for $5 million for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center next fiscal year, UH regents on Thursday signaled support for the troubled facility.

But a clearer picture of how much support the center actually deserves should come soon. Under a $250,800 contract with UH, consultant Charles Cosovich is working to develop a business plan; the report was targeted for completion by the end of this month. A UH task force earlier this year found the center running $9.5 million over budget annually, with reserve funds likely to run out in a few years.

Let’s hope that the consultant’s report will actually be used to chart a firm course of action — and that it won’t be just more money down the tubes.