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Sumitomo Corp. of America announced Tuesday that it will not file a lawsuit in an attempt to win the city’s rail contract.
Italy-based Ansaldo Honolulu has been awarded the contract to design, build, operate and maintain the system. Bombardier Transportation, the other losing bidder, filed suit last week to gain the contract.
But Sumitomo Vice President Gino Antoniello said “it was time to step back and let the city go its course.”
Sumitomo said its decision should not be interpreted as a loss of interest in the project. The company said it would step forward if the city decides not to proceed with Ansaldo.
But two subcontractors associated with Sumitomo’s bid filed separate complaints last week with the state Regulated Industries Complaint Office, alleging that Ansaldo violated state law by not being a licensed contractor when it submitted its bid.
Ansaldo was licensed by the time it was awarded the contract.
The issue was raised during Sumitomo’s appeal with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, under which the Regulated Industries Complaint Office falls.
Sumitomo’s appeal was denied.