Briefly in the news

As the annual Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights sets sail tonight,

there will be fewer outside boaters present than in years past.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, hours during which boaters

can come in and out of the harbor have been greatly restricted.

While this limitation has some Harbour residents irked, the Navy says

it is necessary.

Once open 24 hours, passage is now restricted to 6 to 8 a.m. during

the week and 6 to 9 a.m. on weekends and 2 to 4 p.m. every day.

The reason for restriction is quite simple, said Gregg Smith,

spokesman for the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach.

In order to get in and out of the harbor, boats must pass through the

weapons station.

“When [boaters] go through the Naval Weapons Station they are right

next to where Navy ships load munitions,” he explained.

There are currently federal restrictions in place that require no one

to come within 300 yards of Naval ships, Smith said.Unlike in larger

harbors such as San Diego, there is no way to to get in or out of

Huntington Harbour without coming within 300 yards of Navy ships.

While Harbour residents have, for the most part, been understanding of

the necessity for these precautions, some are fed up.

Bill Woodard has been writing letters to the Navy and to Huntington

Beach Congressman Dana Rohrabacher pleading for security measures to be

put in place that would allow the harbor to be open 24-hours once again.

“While everyone understood the need for caution after the Sept. 11

incident, no one thought that 2 1/2 months later the Navy would have

failed to implement a security plan, which would protect their interests

and, at the same time, allow residents and slip owners to use the 3,000

boats berthed there,” Woodard said.

Woodard said he is concerned for Harbour businesses, fisherman,

pleasure cruisers and property values. He is also worried about the

annual Cruise of Lights.

But Smith said boats are welcome to come into the harbor during the

set hours in order to be there for the festivities.

Although the Navy made an exception last weekend for the Boat Parade,

it was an effort that can not be repeated, he said.

“That was a herculean effort,” He said. “We put our security on extra

duty and in addition we had help from Orange County Harbor Patrol and the

Coast Guard.”

Smith also said that the Navy is working on plans that would hopefully

ease up the hours, without compromising security.

The Cruise of Lights, which runs through Dec. 22 and gives

visitors an opportunity to view the decorated homes in the harbor on a

narrated boat tour will go on as usual with tour boats going out each

night at 6, 7, and 8 p.m.

Cost for adults are $10 Mondays through Thursdays, $12 Fridays through

Sundays. Children ages 2 to 12 are $6 every night. Special family nights

are Dec. 13 and 17, with reduced rates of $9.50 for adults and $5.50 for

children.