Hawaiiian Telcom Inc. must consider alternative reorganization plans, allowing Sandwich Isles Communications Inc. to proceed with its $400 million plan to bring the phone company out of bankruptcy, a federal judge ruled today.

U.S, Bankruptcy Judge Lloyd King denied the phone company’s request to extend the period in which it had exclusive rights to pursue its own reorganization plan.
“Because of the public’s interest, Sandwich Isles must not be denied the opportunity to see if it can present an alternative to the plan that has been filed,” King said.