I have the lever on my 01 LS... I only had a slight problem with it in the winter when it got really cold last year... havent since...

 

No, there is no button, and No, you shouldn't have to hold the key to use the latch. I have the same issue though. Apparently it's the actuator that operates the unlock mechanism, and it's pretty common as far as I know. Replacing that would cost a little bit (though I'm not sure exactly how much the parts cost), so I just live with it until I stumble across some money.

Welcome to HAN

 

Yes there definitely is a lever operated door... not all tegs are opened from the inside... All the key does is lock/unlock the doors

 

I have an article on my computer at home for fixing that actuator inexpensively. I'll post it when I get home.

 

Here it is, how to fix the hatch actuator:

http://somefaintlight.org/blog/?p=247

And here's how to replace it with a new one:

http://www.team-integra.net/sections...ArticleID=1117