How to remove trunk upper hooks?

 

Turn counterclockwise til the hook faces to the right, then use a flathead screwdriver head on to depress the claw.

 

I guess my 2004 is unique. On mine the hooks must be rotated to point forward or aft.
Rotate the hook to point forward or aft. Then insert a small screwdriver in the slot on the side of the hook to release the latch. Pull / pry down to get the hook out.
My finger is pointing forward.
The hook has a fixed barb on front and back that needs to align with the cutouts in the sheet metal.