SeedsofHawaii.org Image and Data Use Policy

SeedsofHawaii.org, hosted by the Lyon Arboretum Seed Conservation Laboratory (LASCL), provides open access to high-resolution images and associated morphological data of seeds from Hawaiian flora. These resources support scientific research, education, and conservation efforts.

Permitted Uses

• Images and data available on SeedsofHawaii.org may be freely used for non-commercial, educational, scientific, and conservation purposes.
• Users are encouraged to utilize these resources for academic publications, presentations, classroom instruction, conservation planning, outreach, and public engagement initiatives.
• When using resources for publications or presentations, proper citation is required.

Citation and Acknowledgement

All use of images and data from SeedsofHawaii.org must clearly acknowledge the source. Please cite as follows:

“Image/Data courtesy of the University of Hawaiʻi’s Lyon Arboretum Seed Conservation Laboratory, via SeedsofHawaii.org. Accessed [Date].”

Restrictions and Prohibited Uses

• Commercial use, redistribution, or sale of images and data without explicit written permission from LASCL is strictly prohibited.
• Modifying or altering images beyond minor editing for clarity in educational or scientific presentations without written approval from LASCL is not permitted.
• Users must not imply endorsement by LASCL or SeedsofHawaii.org without express permission.

Requesting Permission for Additional Uses

Users must obtain prior written approval for requests beyond the scope outlined above, including commercial use or derivative works. Please direct such requests to:

• Nate Kingsley
  Project Manager, Lyon Arboretum Seed Conservation Laboratory
  Email: nkingsle@hawaii.edu

Third-Party LLM Integration

SeedsofHawaii.org offers two methods of interacting with large language models (LLMs) to assist users in working with a locally stored database of resources:

1. Onsite Chat Interaction
   When using the online portion embedded within SeedsofHawaii.org, users are required to interact with an OpenAI API. In this case, the information provided within the chat may be collected and processed by the OpenAI API to facilitate the conversation and database interaction. Users do not have the option to choose or provide their own LLM API in this scenario. By engaging with the onsite chat, users acknowledge that their interactions will be handled by the OpenAI API.

2. Downloadable Application
   The downloadable version of the application allows users full control over the LLM integration. Users can choose to integrate their own API, such as OpenAI, Claude, Mistral, or any other open-source LLM of their choice. In this version, the user’s LLM selection will collect and process information from the chat, unless the user provides it. By utilizing this version of the application, users assume responsibility for the choice of API and its associated data handling.

Data Accuracy and Liability

While LASCL strives for accuracy and completeness of data and images, LASCL provides these resources “as is” and does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or fitness for a particular purpose. Users assume all responsibility and risk associated with their use.

Policy Updates

This policy may be periodically updated. Users are encouraged to regularly review this page for the latest information.

*By accessing or utilizing the resources provided by SeedsofHawaii.org, users agree to comply fully with this Data Use Policy.