Rosa rugosa survives there. There are a couple of native species roses--Rosa nutkana, Rosa acicularis. Most casual gardeners grow HTs as annuals--either intentionally or unintentionally.

My sister lives there. What you can grow there that is the envy of gardeners most everywhere is Meconopsis, the blue poppy. Herbaceous peonies can also be spectacular, if you can protect them from the moose.

Anchorage is similar in climate, check this page:

Here is a link that might be useful: Master Gardeners of Anchorage on Rose Growing

Kodiak seems to be in Zone 6. I would think your friend would have fewer issues growing roses there than we have in the midwest.