How to remove front seat rear kick panel?

I am trying to install seat covers and can’t seem to get past the first step. The rear kick panel rubber band straps are friggin impossible to get off. There is SO much crap under the seat I can’t even get my fingers to where they attach. I can’t get them from the front and can’t even see them from anywhere. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I agree it’s hard to get the elastic strap off. I was able to get them off using an auto trim removal tool. ( the one that looks like a fork.

 

I tried the same tool, but the straps were around components permanently installed. I wound up cutting them and re tying.