To remove the wrench , it is as easy as removing a bit from a drill.
To remove the plastic i use simple wire cutter and a remove little piece of plastic at the time until the wrench fit in.
I dint try it with the full wrench handle but it probably will fit.
There is a simple solution to the broken handle.
Look at this post,. http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?p=2915757#post2915757
Really simple to fix, no need to remove anything in the car.
I just bought a 1996 Honda Civic EX last Mont.
The plastic latch to pop the hood was broke off, but I was still able to pull the cable with pliers.
It's a pain in the ass to not have a release handle.
I was thinking to get a new Cable release handle from a scrapyard but what if it break...