Viewing at most of the large telescopes involves travel and overnight stays, which takes time away from other professional and family concerns. He had scheduled observations at Kitt Peak the next week. The reservations were made months in advance, but he wasn't going to leave his injured wife alone to handle the children. With I2, these huge sets of data could be downloaded in thirty minutes. Without Internet2, he probably would have had to miss the viewing.
Every academic researcher understands the importance of research funding.
Internet2 technologies let Dr. Keel and other researchers like him take control over where their grant monies are used. When you factor in airfare, housing, and other travel expenses, the cost of going to Hawaii for one night of telescope viewing can be prohibitive. Utilizing remote operation of the telescopes lets grant money go further. While it can't completely replace hands-on operation of the telescopes, it can allow better budgeting of travel funds. Dr. Keel believes that researchers who don't take advantage of these new capabilities will find themselves left behind as funding goes to those who can accomplish more with the same amount of money.