4 more people arrested in Jan. 1 Aliamanu fireworks blast

Four more parents were arrested Friday afternoon after they allegedly let their minor children set off illegal fireworks at an Aliamanu house party that ended when a cache of illegal fireworks was accidentally detonated, killing five people and wounding dozens of others.

A total of 10 people have now been arrested in connection with the deadliest fireworks explosion in Hawaii since 2011.

Demi Alyssa Mendoza, 31, and Dao Rin, 32, were arrested on suspicion of first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and three fireworks offenses.

The couple allegedly allowed their 9- and 11-year-old children play with illegal fireworks, according to Honolulu police.

Michael Jr. Reyes Cabato, 29, and the 28-year-old mother of his 1-year-old were also arrested.

Cabato was arrested on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a minor and three fireworks offenses, and the 28-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a minor.

A “cake” filled with about 50 individual cartridges of aerial fireworks fell on its side and shot into two crates of fireworks, setting off a large explosion at about 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1 that was recorded by eyewitnesses and drones, shared online and broadcast on TV.

More arrests, charges and an investigation with federal law enforcement into the source and supply chain reportedly are imminent.

Police seized more than 500 pounds of unexploded illegal fireworks from cars belonging to guests attending the party at 4144 Keaka Drive and in the carport of the home.

Four people arrested Wednesday were released pending investigation.

None of the children of the parents arrested Friday were wounded in the deadly explosion.