Steven Moser, 55, Maui doctor, activist

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — Dr. Steven Moser, a well-known physician and community activist who touched many lives on Maui, died in his sleep Sunday at his Wailuku home. He was 55.

Moser

Moser began his medical career on Maui 25 years ago after completing a fellowship at Los Angeles County and the University of Southern California Medical Center.

"I loved him," said Wailuku attorney Isaac Hall, one of his patients. "He was a really good doctor and he really cared about people and was always available."

Hall said Moser also participated in community affairs, fighting alongside the attorney against the expansion of the Kahului Airport runway, and on other issues.

As chief medical officer at Maui Memorial, Moser helped develop the hospital's master plan for expansion. But he later became an active supporter of the Malulani hospital proposed in South Maui, saying it represents an important alternative for Maui.

Moser was a Hawaiian Canoe Club paddler, kayaker and biker.

"He was a young and strong man," said Charles Burger, Moser's brother-in-law. "This is so shocking. He touched so many people in the community. He will be missed."

His wife, Althea Alabab Moser, agreed: "He was definitely the kind of guy who would help anyone who needed help. He just gave of all of himself when it came to helping the community."

Moser was born July 28, 1949, in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his 6-year-old son, Jacob Pauwela Moser; a daughter, Lauren Ruth Moser, 23; his father, Robert Moser of Tucson, Ariz.; and a brother, Jonathan Moser of New Jersey.

A service is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului. Another gathering will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hawaiian Canoe Club Hale at Kahului Harbor, followed by an 11 a.m. service.

Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.