On Friday, September 19th, 2025, at 9pm, Kawika Carlson was driving for Uber in Honolulu when a drunk driver hit his car while he was waiting for a red light on Nimitz Highway.

Though he (and his passenger) fortunately avoided major injuries, he was transported to Queens Hospital by ambulance and underwent a full examination, including an MRI, and was held overnight. While he was cleared of life-threatening harm, Kawika is still experiencing body aches and remains shaken by the ordeal.

His vehicle—a Mini Cooper Countryman—was totaled and is not salvageable, leaving him without his main source of income, as Uber driving has been how he supports his family.

Kawika, affectionately known as "Coach Kawika," is a pillar of Hawaii’s running community. He founded the Hawaii Running Project in 2010, an ambitious nonprofit initiative aiming to improve health across the Hawaiian Islands by making running accessible to all, regardless of background or ability.

Kawika has given tremendously of himself, spreading abundant Aloha in regularly organizing free running programs, offering personalized coaching, and spearheading unique events like the biannual Hawaii Kai Ultra Run, which encourages participants to challenge themselves—to run distances from a half marathon to an audacious 100 miles. Kawika’s vision and generosity have empowered countless people, including newcomers and seasoned runners alike, to believe in themselves and achieve goals they never thought possible.

His influence extends well beyond athletic training. Kawika has generously served the community with no expectation of return—as a board member of other running organizations, as an ever-present source of encouragement at local races (regularly spending his own money on snacks and drinks for runners), and as a friend to all who need support.

Stories abound of him welcoming newcomers, offering advice without judgment, and inspiring many to run their first marathons. As a mentor and leader, Kawika is known for his compassionate encouragement and for planting the seeds of self-belief in others.

Now, Kawika and his young family—his wife Kazumi and three-year-old daughter Kalani—face an uphill challenge. The loss of his car means the loss of his livelihood. Medical costs remain uncertain. The community that he has long supported is now rallying to offer him the same spirit of unconditional Aloha, support, and generosity he has always shown others.

This is a moment for everyone who has benefitted from Kawika’s presence, selflessness, or encouragement to help him get back on his feet.