AGENDA: 4th Meeting of the Hawaii Database Working Group

When: Friday, 3 Jan 1997, Begin at 9 AM; end ? (probably mid-afternoon)

Where: USFWS Conference Room (Rm 3317), 3rd Floor Federal Building

Who: Attached Updated List

Reason: Meet Gladys Cotter and Gary Waggoner of BRD-Information Technology Transfer section. These two information specialist professionals are interested in funding at least a portion of the modeling effort associated with tying together all of the Hawaii databases important to Hawaiian Conservation efforts. They are looking for a national model they can present to other states on how to go about doing what we are attempting to do, hence their interest in supporting our efforts. Hence, they are specifically interested in finding out more about us.

Strategy: I will moderate the agenda and try to keep it moving.

(1) Present a brief synopsis of what each database is about, who Controls it, what format and technical bose it utilizes, problems it may be currently experiencing, and how it can contribute to Hawaiian Conservation efforts (brief 10 minute talk by each DB owner/representative with an accompanying 1 page information sheet).

(2) Present our view of how we see these tied together in a distributed database concept perhaps linked through web pages with a Central server/computer facility providing background context, linkage information, updating, technical and educational aid, perhaps small grants for updating help, etc. Where necessary because of program changes or funding shortfalls, the envisioned central facility could assume management and responsibility of existing databases which individuals, agencies or NGOs no longer have a need for but which may still be of importance to Hawaii conservation efforts (May I suggest Kent Bridges expound upon and lead the discussion on the vision aspects here and Allen Allison assist with regard to how this within-state system with possible connections to education facilities and to other Pacific Rim databases will tie into the developing work at Bishop Museum).

LUNCH BREAK··FEDERAL BUILDING CAFETERIA

(3) Present a brief synopsis of the problems we must overcome to make this happen (We need a volunteer, someone who will listen objectively to (1) above, take into account our past discussions, and able do a quick summary during the proceedings; Ron, Rod, or perhaps Philip? Please call Allen Allison as he has specific ideas which should be useful).

(4) Be prepared to discuss the short term costs to form the linkages, web sites, server, etc. and the long term costs to maintain such a system. Be prepared to suggest how ITT might be able to help (an open discussi6n toward the end of the day; everyone should be prepared to offer some insight here).

We must bear in mind the discussions and ideas developed over the part few months in our preceding 3 meetings. We have here a good opportunity to showcase what we have of value, our ideas, and our hopes, and in the process gain possibly substantial support for what we wish to accomplish. Lets keep moving forward!

Wm. Steiner, December 23, 1996