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Civil Beat went deep on rail this week, with a poll examining how likely voters on Oahu feel about the project and the candidates in the mayoral race.

If you have time this weekend, it’s worth examining the charts we published with each poll story. They provide perspective on the project and the mayoral race that’s only possible because of the very large sample we use, almost 1,200 voters.

That means that our sub-samples, such as people with a college degree or Japanese voters, are big enough that you can base valid conclusions on them.

One thing that’s fascinating is how anti-rail sentiment is driving the candidacy of former Gov. Ben Cayetano in a way it never did the candidacy of Panos Prevedouros. Of course, Cayetano is a proven winner and Prevedouros is an engineer who had never won elective office.

The most inspiring story of the week had to be the return to the sea of the Hokule’a, the storied Hawaiian canoe that has sailed throughout the Pacific. If you want a boost this weekend, it’s worth checking out our videos and slideshow.

In case you missed them, here are 10 must-read stories from this week:

• Civil Beat Poll – Honolulu Voters Oppose Rail Project
• Taken for a Ride: State Launches Audit of Student Transportation Program
• Washington Place Reserved for Top Gov Donor’s Family
• Civil Beat Poll – Honolulu Rail Authority Hasn’t Won Voters’ Confidence
• Civil Beat Poll – Majority of Honolulu Voters Don’t Buy Rail Congestion Argument
• Civil Beat Poll – 44% of Honolulu Voters Perceive Bias in Rail Coverage
• Lingle Ads Cost U.S. Chamber Big Bucks
• Learning Time in Hawaii: Quality Over Quantity
• Civil Beat Poll – Cayetano Tops 50% In Honolulu Mayor’s Race
• Civil Beat Poll – Rail Top Issue for Honolulu Voters