I am currently working on a similar project that involves inputting, reading from, and querying a Berkely DBASE. I really enjoy CGI programming (with Perl) because it is extremely powerful and allows you to expand capabilities with little frustration at a later time. So in short, I would recommend CGI in conjunction with HTML::Template (if so inclined, only necessary if the query page has to be homogenous with the rest of the site in terms of looks and feel).

For someone who has never used CGI, you are going to want to shy away from Mason, at least for the time being. While it is enormously powerful, it has many traps and complications that can confuse the developer. For something as simple as what you are doing, stick with the CGI

If you have more than a few days to carry out building this, go get Orielly's CGI Programming with Perl. You'll be up to speed in a day or two - and I mean that. Hope this hels.

Ciao for Now,
~John