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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:20 p.m., Monday, February 2, 2009

Hikers return to Koko Crater trail

By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hiking friends Danielle Camero, left, and Heather Ward said they were told about the stabbing incident by a friend but still decided to go on their hike at Koko Crater today.

BRUCE ASATO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hikers today returned by the dozens to the abandoned tramway leading to the top of Koko Crater where a 19-year-old Kalihi man allegedly stabbed two hikers less than 24 hours before.

They came in pairs, they came in groups and they came alone today. And they all pushed aside the idea that another violent crime could occur on the abandoned tramway, which has since become a popular hike.

"It's the ultimate exercise," said Jesse Garo, 22, of Kapolei, as he finished his workout today.

Garo assaults the hike in about 22 minutes a couple of times a week and didn't worry about making the trip alone yesterday.

If someone should try to attack him Garo said, "I figure I'll be in better shape."

Others, such as Laura Santi of Waimanalo and her daughter and a female cousin, could not imagine anything like Sunday's attack occurring again on the trail.

"It's just such a sad, sad, out-of-the-ordinary circumstance," Santi's cousin, Judy Santi. "It could have happened anywhere."

Reach Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com.