I have had some problems with java loading slowness. I'll try this solution from MacFixIt...
MacFixIt :
Java causes Safari to crash Several readers report broken Java functionality under Mac OS X 10.3.7. This has caused an inability to access a variety of Web sites, including Yahoo's chat rooms and others.
Some users, experiencing this problem in Safari, have been able to resolve it by using the “Reset Safari” option located in the Safari application menu.
Others reported that re-installing the Java 1.4.2 Update 2 does the trick.
By far the most successful workaround, however, is clearing Java caches.
In order to perform this procedure, go to the /Applications/Utilities/Java folder. You will notice Java 1.4.2 Plugin Settings and Java 1.3.1 Plugin Settings. Launch both of these applications, select the cache tab in each, and click “clear”. Attempt to access problematic sites again.
