Uncle Sam is stacking up Hawaii’s airports with funding to make improvements. Ask any traveler, undoubtedly applauding the news: The state’s transportation facilities need all the help they can get, the airports being at the top of the list.

The projects, totaling more than $10 million in federal funds, include an improved taxiway at Kahului, Maui, and runway lighting at Honolulu. Kahului, Hilo and Kona all are getting fire and rescue vehicles, too.

There’s $2.7 million in there that applies statewide for comprehensive planning activities. Good — let’s hope officials plan for the speedy completion of some of the basic upgrades at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, now infamous for being behind the times. If the state can’t pick up the pace, maybe the long-sought airport authority could manage.