The city administration would regain power over granting contracts for the $4 billion rail transit system, according to a measure advanced by the City Council.

A law passed two years ago that required the city administration to get the City Council's approval on contracts relating to the transit's technology violates the state's procurement laws.

“;All it does is slow down the project and adds more cost,”; said City Councilman Gary Okino. “;The simplest thing the Council can do is eliminate (this requirement).”;

The measure, passed Thursday, would repeal a section of the 2006 law that said the specifications for the transit's technology would require City Council approval before being submitted to the vendors.

Earlier this year, Okino had asked for input from the state Procurement Office, which ruled that the City Council had no authority to impose these restrictions.

The changes would essentially mean the city administration would conduct its procurement procedures as it would with any other project.

Outgoing City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi was the only person to vote against the bill, saying that it would provide greater oversight over this project.

“;This makes it clearer for the voters to know what the specifications are,”; Kobayashi said. “;This has been a law for two years. Why wasn't this brought up sooner?”;

The bill would require further City Council votes in January.