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November 2012. HEAR database to close. A message from Dr. David Duffy, Pacific Cooperative Studies
Unit/University of Hawaii:
Because of a lack of funds, the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project
(HEAR) (http://www.hear.org) may close as soon as December 15, although
there may be enough funds to extend it until February 15. This will mean
several things. The web site will be placed on a new server although it
is not clear who will pay for the server or for transitioning the site.
HEAR data will not be updated. The Pacific Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
site (see http://www.hear.org/pier/abtproj.htm) will also become frozen,
as will numerous books, reports and papers. As software evolves we will
likely lose the ability to access the data. The various list servers
will need new owners, otherwise moderated lists will cease to function
altogether, while other lists will not be able to add or delete members.
The Starr photo collection will remain accessible, but only through a
third party site that will charge for access.
I should point out that we have already lost the original home of the
Pacific Basin Information Node (PBIN) website, although it has found
temporary refuge. Together with HEAR, this site represents the corporate
memory both here in Hawaii and across the Pacific of efforts to sustain
our natural ecosystems and agriculture against problems caused by
species alien to the islands. HEAR also serves as the glue that holds
the community together, providing information and facilitating
communication. I just hope hindsight is kind to this decision.
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