Another interior question: Lower dashboard panel removal?

[martinjmpr]

Another dumb question: How does the lower dash panel (the one below the steering wheel) come out? I see there are two Torx-head screws, one on the left and one on the right. I got them out, but when I tried to pull the lower dash panel out, it kept sticking right where the hood release latch is located. Do I need to remove the hood release and if so, how? Does it unscrew? I was reluctant to try and just pull on it because I didn't want to break something.

Thanks in advance! FWIW I'm trying to remove the lower dash panel so I can re-route the cable for my Ultra-Gauge, and also so I can run the Bluetooth microphone cable to my stereo without having ugly wires all over the place.

 

[Snoranger]

Yes the hood release has to come off... Take out the 2 bolts that hold it.