I'm having a hard time removing the kickpanel on the drivers side. I took the two screws off of the hood release and one on the side rail, but there is a plastic fastener that seems to be holding it in. How do I remove the fastener. I'm affraid of breaking it if I pull it straight out.

That fastener is a "christmas tree" style fastener. You just have to work it out gently. You can get special pullers for them, but a claw hammer, pry bar, or simply pulling gently yet persuasively will work fine.