Could a hiatal hernia cause back pain just to the right of the spine about 1 inch below the shoulder blade?

Yes: Yes it could. I would have this evaluated as most hiatal hernias do not cause pain unless there is some other problem. The possible problems could range from an early ulcer forming, to a portion of the stomach or other part of the intestine that is partially/intermittently stuck within the hernia and can't get out when it needs to. See a gastroenterologist or a surgeon.

Not likely: While anything is possible, it is not typical to have right sided back pain from a hiatal hernia. If you have a very large hernia, it would be possible, but men of your age rarely have that large of hernias.