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A Civil Beat poll this week explored how Hawaii voters view the legitimacy of Congress, given the big money pouring into elections from corporations, labor unions and wealthy individuals.

We all know that Congress is in the dumps when it comes to public perception. That’s surely the case in Hawaii. Nearly 80 percent of respondents said donors have the most influence over the choices and decisions of most members of Congress.

And while the numbers were better for the local delegation, it’s hard to imagine that they’re comfortable knowing that half of Hawaii’s registered voters think that donors have the most influence on the choices the people representing them make. Just one in three voters said they believed voters had the most sway over Hawaii representatives and senators.

Here are the stories on the poll and six other must-read stories from this week.

• Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Say Congress Most Influenced By Wealthy
• Civil Beat Poll: Half of Hawaii Voters Say Delegation Works For Donors
• Civil Beat Poll: Hawaii Voters Support Limiting Political Donations
• Big Money Undermines Legitimacy of Congress
• Could Hawaii’s 2nd District Go From Most Liberal to Most Conservative?
• Land Deal Could Be ‘Economic Engine’ For Native Hawaiians
• Will Hoopili Push Honolulu to Desalinate Ocean Water?
• Failure to Renegotiate Teachers Contract Delays Race to the Top
• Honolulu Council May Try To Take Over Water Board
• FACT CHECK — Hannemann: Obama Shares My Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage