The volcanic eruption of Kilauea has forced residents to flee from Halekamahina Hill, where two residents remain, Dale Altman and his grandson Josh Doran.

Altman and Doran are two passionate and very brave Hawaiian cannabis farmers. When Kilauea roared into action on May 3, 2018, the relatives refused to abandon their cannabis harvest.

Toxic clouds have spread out like a canopy over the ocean since the simmering volcano started spewing out red-hot lava that has engulfed cars, homes and formerly verdant terrain.

Hawaiian cannabis farmers strive to protect their “Pakalōlō”

Hawaii volcano Kilauea has been billowing smoke, ash and hot lava for thousands of years, with the first ever eruption said to have been sometime around 1790.

The active volcano is renowned for its periodic lava flows and just a couple of days ago, thick steam clouds billowed 4,500 feet into the air. Tragically, molten lava is devouring the landscape, where the unstoppable volcanic eruption has obliterated more than 600 houses spread over 5,900 acres.

Altman is a 66-year-old Hawaiian cannabis farmer who relies on his grandson’s help to cultivate medicinal cannabis, which became legal in the state of Hawaii back in the year 2000. Recreational cannabis, however, has not yet been legalized.

The duo refers to the green plant as “Pakalōlō” – the Hawaiian word for cannabis, meaning “crazy” or “numbing” tobacco.

Hawaii is renowned for cultivating potent strains of pot

Many people might wonder why these Hawaiian cannabis farmers aren’t running in the opposite direction of Kilauea.

Due to Hawaii’s tropical climate, the cannabis that is cultivated on this part of the planet is some of the most potent in the world. Kona Gold and Maui Wowie are two examples of pungent “Pakalōlō” strains produced on the isolated volcanic archipelago.

According to a report by Reuters, Altman says that he and his grandson will remain on Halekamahina Hill, despite the fact the eruption has caused 22 ground fissures to split open. One of the lava-gushing fissures has even separated Altman and Doran from their community.

Thankfully, Altman’s property is positioned on an elevated segment of land, enabling the two to stay safe while Volcano Kilauea continues erupting.

Their cannabis plants have not been damaged by Kilauea either, what with the property being landlocked atop a hill.

Altman and Doran’s cannabis crops are worth an estimated $100,000.