But you don’t have to file for parole once your sentence is up. Then you get out free and clear, and no parole officer.
His sentence was 16 to life, so no definitive release date. I'm surprised the parole board even set up a hearing for him, since he didn't request one. In Alaska you have to request a hearing, one isn't automatically set up for you. And if parole is denied, you can't reapply for 10 years, unlike California, where you can apparently apply every year.