The check engine light is usually on with the ignition switched on and the engine off. He hasn't been able to start it, so we can't know if the CEL would stay on while it's running.

I know in BMWs, if a cam sensor goes, it may run; just very poorly with very hard starts. The crank position sensor is usually where electronic ignition systems get their references from. I don't know about Hondas and if they use electronic ignition modules or not. If they do, a failed crankshaft position sensor will probably shut it down.