Residents press assembly over alleged judicial misconduct and sealed Kenai grand jury report

David Hague presented an update to the assembly on Dec. 2 about a Kenai grand jury investigation that he said uncovered evidence of corruption in Alaska's judicial system and Department of Law. Hague urged the assembly to form a working group to investigate why the grand jury inquiry was stopped and to request public release of the grand jury’s report and recommendations.

Hague summarized a history he said began about 20 years ago and described repeated obstacles to citizen‑led investigations, including changes in rules and the appointment of an independent prosecutor whom Hague alleges had conflicts that impaired the grand jury’s work. He told the assembly citizens were ‘‘blocked from getting the evidence to grand juries’’ and described efforts to have elected officials press the governor and attorney general for answers.

Extensive public testimony followed: more than a dozen residents used the public comment periods to recount personal legal grievances, allege rule changes that narrowed grand jury powers, and call for borough action. Queen Parker and Brenda Boudreaux told the assembly they believe language was removed from a 2016 Alaska grand jury handbook and cited statutes and constitutional provisions they said support grand juries’ investigatory authority. Multiple commenters asked the assembly to form a commission or working group and to pass resolutions urging other local governments to support public access to grand‑jury findings.

Assembly response and history: Mayor Peter Michicky noted that the assembly previously passed Resolution 2023‑026 in March 2023 related to this issue, saying that matter had been addressed by the borough before. Assembly members asked clarifying questions but took no immediate procedural vote to form a new working group during the meeting.

What residents asked for: Residents requested (1) formation of an assembly working group to investigate the stoppage of the Kenai grand jury, (2) passage of resolutions encouraging other local governments to support investigations and demand release of the report, and (3) direct engagement from the governor or attorney general to answer citizen questions.

What the assembly did: The assembly received the presentation and heard public comment. Mayor Michicky and members noted prior action (Resolution 2023‑026); no new formal working group was established during the Dec. 2 meeting. The assembly will determine next steps through normal follow‑up channels.

Representative quotes: "Finally, citizens asked local elected bodies for resolutions to help," Hague said. In response, Mayor Michicky told the room the assembly already passed a related resolution in March 2023, "and it passed 8–0."