thanks for all the posts...
1.) yes they are supra lights, but i took the outer lens off and molded it into the bumper, everything painted to match except the chrome bezels around each individual lens
2.) there is an emergency handle if you get locked in the trunk, but its for folding down the rear seats
3.) while fiddling in the dark, i ripped something off that the release cables attach to so i'm guessing i need a new latch assembly. i can take pics if it will help anyone give me a clue
4.) zip ties once again rule the world: made my own release "cable" out of zip ties that is hidden in the weather stripping, kinda run my finger in the trunk seam, find it, pull it, voila!