"Fuchigami, the DOT director, said that an authority could craft a shorter procurement process than the state’s. Sarah Allen, the state’s procurement officer, even sent the Legislature draft language for a new process that the authority could use, he said.

“Procurement has an effect on everything,” Fuchigami said. “We’ll be able to go out and do things in these airports in a much faster manner.”

It is refreshing to have the DOT Director speak vs. spokesperson...I presume this is "the" reason for the delay.  Hence, is it over regulation or incompetency...or a mix of both.  Regardless, we may want to forward this article to the Elaine Chao, Secretary Department of Transportation and used as a example of a "Best Demonstrated Practice" on President Trump list of deteriorating (transportation) infrastructure.  Sad...just saying....