I just went and looked at mine and it appears that one might be able to slide a thin flat piece of metal (like a ruler, but sturdier) below the edge of the hood to the right of the latch and under the lever. Then push down, which will lever the latch release up, and the hood might release. A very thick coat hangar might work if you can slide it in sideways and then rotate it to get under the lever. Otherwise this is going to be a pain, as the plastic "shelf" is in the way, so even if you take the grill out there isn't direct access to the lever. Also there isn't a lot of space in which to snake something up from the bottom of the car. That said, you know the tools they use in retail stores to put clothes which are on hangers up on high hooks for display? They are about 3 feet long with 4 or 5 inches of "L" on the end? I think that you could slide one of those past the radiator, rotate it to get under the lever, and lift.
Good luck...