Hawaii cost of living going up with new laws, UH research studied, Army battles environment, dispute raises rail costs, teachers unions unhappy, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

Nene geese (c) 2011 All Hawaii News

The nene geese population at Kauai Lagoons has grown so fast and large the geese now are now considered the threat.  Associated Press.

The cost of living in Hawaii will edge upward on Friday as the new fiscal year begins and brings with it a rise in various state fees and taxes that were needed to help balance the budget in tough economic times. Star-Advertiser.

Some Oahu teachers said Sunday they don't want to strike, but it is not acceptable to ask them to take less pay and require them to contribute more for their health insurance. KITV4.

The Army is shifting at least some high-altitude helicopter training from Hawaii to Colorado — at a taxpayer cost of up to $11 million — following an additional environmental review imposed by the state. Star-Advertiser.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood have both made much ado about the potential of university innovation to drive Hawaii's economy. Civil Beat.

A battle between the Honolulu city council and Mayor Peter Carlisle over who controls the purse for the rail project could cost taxpayers lots of money. KHON2.

It was a happy homecoming for some Hawaii-based soldiers. 135 soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division stationed at Schofield Barracks returned Sunday morning from a one-year tour in Iraq. Hawaii News Now.

The state water commission this week is due to consider an application from the City and County of Honolulu for permission to alter channels in four Oahu streams to accommodate a planned commuter rail line. Associated Press.

Department of Planning Director Will Spence said the most immediate and largest challenges ahead of him are finishing Maui's master plan and streamlining the Planning Department. Maui News.

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, permits for firecrackers will be sold starting Wednesday, according to the Fire Department, and all types of fireworks go on sale the same day. Tribune-Herald.

Apart from the film festival, Molokai was by no means left off the county budget for projects ranging from parks to water supply. Molokai Dispatch.